Handheld Tool Positioning Device with Pivotable Fixing Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handheld power tool positioning devices lack a secure and efficient mechanism for adjusting and fixing the distance between the tool holder and workpiece support surface, leading to operational discomfort and inconsistent settings.

Innovation Solution

A handheld power tool positioning device with a movably mounted adjustment element and a pivotably mounted fixing element, featuring a clamping surface for frictional fixation, a stop unit for limiting movement, and a spring element for automatic return and bearing play compensation, allowing for precise and comfortable adjustment of the tool's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pivotably mounted fixing element with clamping surface is used to fix the adjustment element, then the holding force and security of fixation are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation securityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing element is integrated directly into the adjustment element as a single-piece construction, merging two previously separate components (fixing mechanism and adjustment rod) into one unified structure. This reduces the number of parts while maintaining the clamping function through the pivotable fixing element with clamping surfaces that bear against the adjustment element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Force

If direct contact between clamping surface and adjustment element is implemented, then the holding force is improved, but wear and friction increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding forceVSAvoidfriction and wear
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable fixing element automatically adjusts its position and applies clamping force through its own mechanical design. When the adjustment element is moved, the fixing element pivots to engage or disengage the clamping surfaces, creating a self-regulating friction-based holding mechanism that maintains optimal contact pressure without requiring external control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the adjustment element is movably mounted with large movement range, then the adaptability is improved, but the stability of composition worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment rangeVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment element is designed with movable mounting that allows dynamic adjustment over a large range, while the pivotable fixing element provides dynamic stabilization. The fixing element can pivot to different positions to lock the adjustment element at various points along its movement range, providing stability only when needed while maintaining full adaptability during adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are used for adjustment and fixation mechanisms, then the functionality is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing element and adjustment element are designed as a single-piece construction, eliminating the need for separate fixing mechanisms and reducing assembly steps. This integration maintains all necessary adjustment and fixation functionalities while significantly simplifying manufacturing and reducing component count.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables secure fixation and easy adjustment of the tool's position with reduced components and costs, providing high operating comfort and reproducible settings, while preventing loosening and ensuring a high holding force.

Implementation Method 1

The spring element is arranged between the fixing element and the housing and interacts with the fixing element with a spring force.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The clamping surface bears against an outer surface of the adjustment element at least in one position of the fixing element... at least largely prevents movement of the element at least by means of frictional forces.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2682236B1Handheld machine tool positioning device
Publication Date: 2017.12.13 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2682236B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2682236B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2682236B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The device (10) has an adjustment unit (14) comprising a movable mounted adjustment element (16) i.e. adjustment guide bar, for adjusting a spacing of a housing (12) relative to a tool holder (18) and/or relative to a workpiece support surface of a portable machine tool (44). A pivotable mounted fixing element (20) is provided for fixation of the adjustment element in a position. The fixing element comprises clamping surfaces resting in a position of the fixing element against an outer surface of the adjustment element. A movement axis of the fixing element intersects the adjustment element.