Hands-Free Angle Grinder Shield Assembly With Secure Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power tool shields are either rotationally fixed, limiting operator visibility and control, or require tools to reposition, which can lead to improper positioning and increased injury risk due to limited adjustability and cumbersome operation.
Innovation Solution
A shield assembly for power tools that is selectively repositionable with respect to the working tool, featuring a guard member, coupling member, and actuator, allowing hands-free adjustment by contacting the work surface, and includes alignment features to secure the shield in desired positions, enabling operator visibility through apertures in the guard member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shield assembly uses a tool-secured guard (requiring wrenches or screwdrivers), then the guard is securely fixed, but the ease of operation deteriorates because operators cannot quickly reposition the guard during work
Solution Approach 1:
The guard assembly transitions from a static, tool-secured position to a dynamic, tool-free adjustable position. The spring-loaded actuator mechanism allows the guard to be easily repositioned by simply pushing it against the work surface, while the ratchet detent system maintains secure positioning at selected angles without requiring tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The guard assembly performs its own securing function through the spring-loaded actuator and ratchet detent mechanism, eliminating the need for external tools like wrenches or screwdrivers. The operator can reposition the guard by simply pushing it against the work surface, and the mechanism automatically locks into place.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shield assembly uses a rotationally fixed guard, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability deteriorates because the operator cannot adjust the guard angle for different working conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The guard assembly is designed to be adjustable to multiple angular positions rather than fixed. The spring-loaded actuator and ratchet detent mechanism enable the guard to be repositioned to different angles suitable for various working conditions, while the modular design keeps the overall complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield assembly is divided into separable components including the guard, spring-loaded actuator, ratchet detent mechanism, and coupling member. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while providing the necessary adjustability functionality.
3Productivity
If the shield assembly requires tool-secured fasteners, then the guard remains firmly in position, but the productivity deteriorates because operators must stop work to reposition the guard
Solution Approach 1:
The guard assembly uses a spring-loaded actuator that allows operators to reposition the guard by simply pushing it against the work surface without stopping work or using tools. The ratchet detent mechanism automatically secures the guard in the new position, enabling continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from a static, tool-secured state to a dynamic, tool-free adjustable state. The spring-loaded actuator provides continuous adjustment capability, allowing the guard to be repositioned quickly during work without interrupting productivity.
Data Source
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Figure 2B
AI summary
The present invention is directed toward a shield assembly (125, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700) for a handheld tool device (10) such as an angle grinder. The shield assembly (125, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700) is selectively repositionable with respect to the device (10). A lock mechanism secures the shield assembly (125, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700) in discrete rotational positions relative to the device (10). The shield assembly (125, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700) includes a guard member (400, 1105, 1205, 1305, 1405, 1505, 1605, 1705) and a bumper member (402), and an alignment feature configured to align the relative positions of guard member (400, 1105, 1205, 1305, 1405, 1505, 1605, 1705) and the bumper member (402), thereby positing the members in a predetermined relative orientation. With this configuration, the shield assembly (125, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700) is selectively repositionable via a "hands-free" mechanism that permits a user to adjust the position of the shield assembly (125, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700) by simply contacting the shield assembly (125, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700) against a work surface.