Grinding Machine Guard Assembly With Tool-Free Eccentric Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grinding machine protective covers require manual adjustment using tools, which is cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A protective assembly with a pivotably mounted switching element that allows the protective cover to be easily adjusted between locked and unlocked positions without tools, using an eccentric design to change the clamping force on the cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional locking mechanism with a tool is used to secure the protective cover, then the protective cover is securely locked, but the adjustment process becomes complex and requires additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The switching element enables the user to directly actuate the locking and releasing actions without requiring external tools. The element itself serves as both the control mechanism and the actuating mechanism, allowing the user to lock and unlock the protective cover by simply moving the switching element between positions
Solution Approach 2:
The tool requirement has been completely removed from the system. The traditional screwdriver or wrench operation has been extracted and replaced by a direct manual operation of the switching element, simplifying the user interface while maintaining secure locking
2Ease of operation
If a switching element with multiple contact surfaces at different distances from the axis is used, then tool-free adjustment is enabled, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions have been merged into a single switching element. The element combines the actuating function, the switching function, and the positioning function into one integrated component. The first contact surface engages with the actuating element for locking, while the second contact surface provides a different engagement point, all within a single pivoting component
Solution Approach 2:
The switching element is designed to pivot between different positions, dynamically changing its orientation and contact surfaces. This dynamic pivoting motion allows the element to engage different contact surfaces (first and second contact surfaces at different radial distances) depending on its position, enabling both locked and adjusted states without requiring multiple static components
Data Source
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AI summary
This utility model relates to a grinding machine and a protective assembly for it. The grinding machine comprises a machine body, a protective cover, a mounting assembly, and a switching element. The mounting assembly comprises a locking element and a connecting element. The protective cover is located at least partially between the machine body and the locking element. The connecting element is attached to the locking element. The switching element comprises a pivoting section and an actuating section. The pivoting section is located on the side of the machine body facing away from the protective cover and is pivotably mounted on the connecting element. The pivoting section has an outer circumferential surface with a first contact surface and a second contact surface. The first contact surface is a certain distance from the central axis of the pivoting section. The second contact surface is a certain distance from the central axis of the pivoting section.The first distance is greater than the second distance.