Laser Alignment System for Power Saw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power saws with laser alignment devices are costly and consume valuable space due to complex mechanisms requiring multiple adjustments, which are not efficiently utilized in compact designs.
Innovation Solution
A power saw with a laser alignment device featuring a slideable carriage that moves relative to the cutting assembly with only one degree of freedom, primarily along an axis of translation, and a laser body lock to secure the laser in place, reducing the number of parts and manufacturing costs while maintaining precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a laser alignment device with multiple degrees of freedom is provided to allow adjustment for manufacturing errors and blade changes, then alignment precision and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential adjustment capability needed for blade thickness compensation, removing unnecessary adjustment mechanisms. The laser emitter is mounted on a simple linear adjustment mechanism that allows only lateral movement parallel to the blade, eliminating complex rotational and angular adjustments while maintaining sufficient alignment precision for practical use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing adjustment capability only where specifically needed (lateral position of the laser emitter) rather than allowing full six-degree-of-freedom adjustment. The mounting structure provides precise lateral adjustment along a single axis while constraining all other movements, creating a simplified system that addresses the specific alignment requirements without unnecessary complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a laser alignment device with multiple adjustment mechanisms is provided to compensate for manufacturing errors, then adaptability is improved, but space consumption and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the critical adaptability function of adjusting for blade thickness variations, removing redundant adjustment capabilities. The laser emitter is mounted on a compact linear slide mechanism that provides lateral adjustment parallel to the blade, enabling the system to adapt to different blade thicknesses without requiring multiple adjustment axes or complex mechanisms that would consume excessive space.
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified single-axis adjustment mechanism serves multiple purposes: it compensates for blade thickness variations, accommodates different blade positions, and maintains alignment precision across various cutting configurations. This universal adjustment approach replaces multiple specialized adjustment mechanisms, reducing overall space requirements while maintaining adaptability.
3Area of stationary object
If a compact laser alignment device is provided to save space on the saw, then space efficiency is improved, but adjustment capability and alignment precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the adjustment capability precisely where needed for alignment accuracy. The laser emitter is mounted on a compact linear slide mechanism that provides controlled lateral movement parallel to the blade, ensuring precise adjustment in the critical dimension while maintaining a space-efficient overall design. This targeted approach maintains alignment precision without requiring bulky adjustment mechanisms in other directions.
Data Source
AI summary
A power saw includes a bevel member and a cutting assembly pivotably connected to the bevel member. The cutting assembly includes a blade, a blade guard at least partially covering the blade, and at least one machined cutting assembly surface. A laser alignment device is connected to the cutting assembly. The laser alignment device includes a laser body fixed to a slideable carriage having a machined carriage surface that directly engages the machined cutting assembly surface. The slideable carriage is configured to move relative to the machined cutting assembly surface with substantially only one degree of freedom defined by an axis of translation.