Protective Hood Locking Mechanism for Angle Grinders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held power tools, such as angle grinders, face damage issues when the protective hood is torsionally rigid, leading to potential damage during tool malfunctions like a bursting grinding wheel or workpiece jamming, as the hood and locking mechanism can be compromised.
Innovation Solution
A locking arrangement using a U-shaped torsion spring with a locking leg and fastening leg, where the spring plane is either transverse or parallel to the drive spindle axis, providing elastic support to allow the protective hood to pivot within a defined range, reducing the risk of damage by allowing flexibility during torque loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the protective hood is designed with a torsionally rigid locking mechanism, then the hood is securely fixed in rotational positions, but the hood and locking mechanism are susceptible to damage during tool malfunctions such as bursting grinding wheels or workpiece jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable between a locked state (for secure fixation) and an unlocked state (for damage protection). The actuating button enables the user to switch between these states, allowing the system to adapt to different operational conditions and avoid damage during malfunctions.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsional stiffness of the locking mechanism is made variable through the actuating button, which can change the engagement state of the locking elements. When unlocked, the mechanism allows rotational movement to absorb impact forces; when locked, it provides secure fixation for normal operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the protective hood is made torsionally rigid for secure positioning, then the hood remains stable during operation, but it cannot accommodate sudden torque loads without risking damage to the hood or locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed with the capability to be unlocked beforehand, allowing the protective hood to rotate freely and absorb sudden torque loads without causing damage. This preventive measure enables the system to withstand unexpected forces during malfunctions such as bursting wheels or jamming workpieces.
3Reliability
If a complex locking device with multiple components is used to secure the protective hood, then reliable fixation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking elements are integrated into a unified locking mechanism that operates through a single actuating button. The locking elements are arranged to engage with corresponding recesses in the hub part, creating a coordinated system that achieves reliable fixation while minimizing the number of separate control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism serves multiple functions: securing the protective hood in rotational positions, allowing controlled rotation for adjustment, and providing damage protection during malfunctions. The actuating button controls all these functions, simplifying the user interface despite the complexity of the underlying mechanism.
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 design enhances the protective hood's resilience and reduces the likelihood of damage during tool malfunctions by allowing elastic movement within predetermined locking positions, ensuring the hood and locking mechanism remain intact, thus minimizing repair needs.
Implementation Method 1
A locking arrangement using a U-shaped torsion spring with a locking leg and fastening leg, where the spring plane is either transverse or parallel to the drive spindle axis, providing elastic support to allow the protective hood to pivot within a defined range
Implementation Method 2
A locking arrangement using a U-shaped torsion spring with a locking leg and fastening leg
Data Source
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AI summary
A protective hood is provided for a hand-held power tool, in particular a hand-guided grinding machine, the tool of which is at least partially covered by said protective hood for which protective layers, which support the protective hood in an elastically compliant manner in the direction of rotation, can be adjusted by locking positions of a locking arrangement.