Handheld Cutting Tool Airflow Layout for Compact Control Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric working machines face challenges in miniaturization and operability during high-power operation, as they are not efficiently designed to manage heat and maintain compactness while providing effective cooling.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a guide portion surrounding the control unit to form an air flow path that circulates air for cooling, along with a heat sink and a fan system that connects air flow paths to efficiently dissipate heat and maintain compactness, allowing for improved miniaturization and operability during high-power use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the housing is miniaturized to improve portability and compactness, then the device becomes more portable, but heat dissipation capability deteriorates leading to overheating during high-power operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing volumeVSAvoidcontrol unit temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The air flow path is segmented into multiple regions: an intake region, a cooling region with heat sink, and an exhaust region. The guide portion divides the internal space to create dedicated cooling channels that efficiently transport air from intake to exhaust while maximizing heat dissipation from the control unit and motor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A heat sink is introduced as an intermediary component between the control unit/motor and the circulating air. The heat sink absorbs heat from the high-power components and transfers it to the air flow, enabling effective heat dissipation in the compact housing without direct thermal contact between components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If cooling components are added to improve heat dissipation, then temperature control improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol unit temperatureVSAvoidcooling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide portion serves multiple functions simultaneously: it structures the air flow path, positions the heat sink, directs air circulation around the motor and control unit, and facilitates heat transfer. The motor rotation itself drives the cooling system without requiring a separate fan or pump, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor's rotation during normal operation directly drives the air circulation through the cooling path. The motor serves its primary function of driving the working portion while simultaneously powering the cooling system, eliminating the need for separate cooling actuators and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If continuous high-load operation is enabled by improving cooling, then productivity increases, but heat generation increases requiring more robust cooling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system operates continuously during motor rotation, maintaining constant air circulation through the cooling path. This continuous cooling action enables the control unit and motor to sustain high-load operation without temperature accumulation, supporting continuous productivity without interruption for cooling periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

This configuration effectively suppresses temperature rise, enabling continuous high-load operation and miniaturization of the housing by ensuring efficient cooling of both the control unit and motor, thereby enhancing the device's compactness and usability.

Implementation Method 1

The first air flow path is configured to allow air to circulate therein by rotation of the motor, thereby cooling the control unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

a heat sink provided in contact with the control unit so as to dissipate heat generated by the control unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat Sink: Heat Sink

Data Source

PatentEP4427582A1Electric working machine
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 YAMABIKO CORP
  • EP4427582A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4427582A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4427582A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides an electric working machine with a more miniaturized housing and improved operability during high-power operation. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a hand-held electric working machine for cutting a work object is provided. The electric working machine comprises a working portion, a motor, a control unit, and a guide portion. The working portion is configured to cut the work object. The motor is configured to allow rotary power to be generated for allowing the working portion to drive. The control unit is configured to electrically control rotation of the motor. The guide portion is provided on the control unit, thereby forming a first air flow path surrounded by the guide portion and the control unit. The first air flow path is configured to allow air to circulate therein by rotation of the motor, thereby cooling the control unit.