Power Tool Handle Bearing for Vibration-Damped Socket Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand-held power tools face challenges in achieving cost-effective and reliable electrical connection sockets that effectively dampen vibrations and allow for relative movement, which are crucial for efficient energy transfer and tool stability.

Innovation Solution

The handle components, specifically thermoplastic elastomer handle shells and cover, serve as dual-purpose bearings for the electrical connection socket, forming a circular cylindrical cavity for secure insertion and providing vibration-damping properties, enabling relative movement and decoupling from the tool housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate bearing component is used for the electrical connection socket, then the reliability and vibration damping are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of electrical connection socketVSAvoidcomplexity of handle components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the bearing function into the handle shell itself, which simultaneously serves as both the structural handle component and the bearing for the electrical connection socket. This integration eliminates the need for separate bearing components while maintaining vibration damping and secure mounting functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle shell is designed to perform multiple functions: providing structural support for the handle, damping vibrations, and serving as a bearing for the electrical connection socket. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the device.

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

2Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple separate components are used for the handle, then the vibration damping and secure mounting are improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration damping of electrical connection socketVSAvoidmanufacturing cost of handle components
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the bearing function and vibration damping function into the handle shell itself, reducing the number of separate components. This integration simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes while maintaining effective vibration damping through the elastomeric material properties of the handle shell.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the electrical connection socket is rigidly fixed to the housing, then the structural stability is improved, but the vibration decoupling and energy transfer efficiency worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stability of power toolVSAvoidenergy transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the mechanical properties of the handle shell by using an elastomeric material that provides both structural stability and vibration decoupling. The material's inherent elasticity allows it to maintain secure mounting while absorbing vibrations and enabling relative movement, thus improving energy transfer efficiency without sacrificing structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances the reliability and cost-effectiveness of hand-held power tools by ensuring secure electrical connections while effectively dampening vibrations, improving tool stability and energy transfer efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the handle shells and/or the handle cover serve as a bearing or bearing component of the electrical connection socket... The components 2a, 2b, 2c each have vibration-damping properties and enable a relative movement of the electrical connection socket 1 to a housing 4 of the power tool 100

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4088876B1Hand-held electric power tool
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 ANDREAS STIHL AG & CO KG
  • EP4088876B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

Hand-held power tool (100) comprising: - an electrical socket (1), and - a handle (2) for handling the power tool (100), wherein the handle consists of several components (2a, 2b, 2c), - wherein at least one component (2a, 2b, 2c) of the handle (2) serves as a bearing for the electrical socket (1).