Grinder Lighting Device Positioning for Spindle Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grinders face challenges in providing effective lighting around the lower portion of the spindle due to potential damage from flat surfaces and obstruction by the spindle and wheel guard.

Innovation Solution

A working machine design that includes a lighting device positioned above the guard member and on the left and right sides of the housing, extending from inside the motor housing to irradiate light around the lower portion of the spindle, while also incorporating a protection mechanism to prevent contact with flat surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the lighting device is positioned close to the spindle to illuminate the working area, then the illumination effectiveness is improved, but the lighting device may be damaged or deformed by contact with flat surfaces such as the ground

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting effectiveness around spindleVSAvoidprotection from ground contact damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting device is positioned in the left-right direction (lateral dimension) rather than only in the front-back direction, allowing it to illuminate the spindle area from the sides while being protected by the housing structure from ground contact when the device is placed on a flat surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Illumination intensity

If the lighting device is positioned to illuminate the area around the lower portion of the spindle, then the workability is improved, but the spindle and wheel guard may block the light

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility around lower spindle areaVSAvoidlight obstruction by spindle and guard
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting device is positioned asymmetrically on the left and right sides of the housing, with at least one lighting device provided above the guard member and on the side of the housing, allowing light to reach the working area from lateral directions that are not blocked by the spindle rotation or wheel guard position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If the lighting device is positioned on the side of the housing to avoid ground contact, then the protection from damage is improved, but the light may be blocked by the housing structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from ground contactVSAvoidlight transmission through housing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting device is extracted from the interior of the housing and positioned partially outside the housing on the left and right sides, with the lighting device extending from inside the motor housing to the exterior, allowing direct light emission to the working area without being blocked by the housing structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides improved lighting around the spindle area, enhancing visibility and workability, while protecting the lighting device from damage and ensuring it remains functional.

Implementation Method 1

a lighting device that is at least partially provided above the guard member and on at least one of left and right sides of the housing, and that extends from inside of the motor housing, and irradiates light around the lower portion of the spindle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP4534253A1Working machine
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 KOKI HLDG CO LTD
  • EP4534253A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4534253A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4534253A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a working machine with a good lighting device. In a grinder, the lighting device is provided on both left and right sides of rear end of a gear housing and above wheel guard. Specifically, a holder of the lighting device is visibly exposed from an outer periphery of the gear housing in front view. When an LED of the lighting device emits light by an operator's operation of an operating portion, emitted light illuminates a lower portion of a spindle (i.e., a grinding wheel). In other words, a housing does not block the light emitted toward the grinding wheel from the lighting device on both sides of the housing, and the light can illuminate the grinding wheel disposed around the lower portion of the spindle. Therefore, the lower portion of the spindle (i.e., the grinding wheel) can be well illuminated.