Magnetic Drill Press Base With Variable-Torque Magnet Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic drill presses require high input torque and large rotation to switch between latched and release configurations due to non-linear magnet torque, making them difficult to use and potentially exceeding human capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic drill press with a rotatable magnet assembly and fixed magnet assembly, coupled with a gear train providing a variable mechanical advantage, allows for a consistent input torque throughout the rotation angle, reducing the required torque and rotation needed to switch between configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a magnetic base uses permanent magnets for generating magnetic field, then the magnetic drill press can be held firmly to the workpiece, but the base physically reorients magnets requiring high input torque and large rotation to switch between latched and release configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic holding forceVSAvoidoperation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the magnet assembly rotatable rather than fixed. The rotatable magnet assembly allows the magnetic poles to be dynamically repositioned relative to the workpiece, enabling the transition between latched and release configurations through rotation. This dynamic mechanism reduces the input torque required compared to physically reorienting entire permanent magnets, as the rotation occurs around a fixed axis rather than requiring full magnet repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic base is segmented into a fixed magnet assembly and a rotatable magnet assembly. This segmentation allows the rotatable portion to be independently manipulated to control the magnetic field orientation. By dividing the magnet system into fixed and movable segments, the patent reduces the complexity of reorienting the entire magnetic base while maintaining the ability to switch between latched and release states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the magnetic base is designed to latch firmly to the workpiece, then stable drilling operation is achieved, but large rotation angle is required to switch between configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatching stabilityVSAvoidconfiguration switching time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable magnet assembly provides dynamic control over the magnetic field orientation, allowing rapid transitions between latched and release configurations. The rotation mechanism enables the magnetic poles to be quickly repositioned without requiring large angular movements of the entire base, thereby reducing the time needed for configuration switching while maintaining stable latching during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If permanent magnets are used to generate magnetic field, then no external power is needed for magnet generation, but the magnetic base requires physical reorientation of magnets which exceeds human capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy independenceVSAvoidoperational feasibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains energy independence by using permanent magnets that do not require external power for magnetic field generation. The rotatable magnet assembly introduces a mechanical degree of freedom that allows the magnetic field orientation to be changed through rotation rather than requiring complex electromagnetic control systems. This dynamic mechanical approach keeps the system passive and energy-independent while making operation feasible for humans.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution provides a stable and intuitive user experience by maintaining a constant input torque and reducing the required rotation, making it easier to latch and release the magnetic base from a ferromagnetic workpiece, and allows for efficient operation within human capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

A magnetic base with permanent magnets typically physically reorient at least some of the permanent magnets to switch the base between a latched configuration and a release configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

magnetic drill presses perform drilling operations by latching a magnetic base of the drill press to a ferromagnetic workpiece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Implementation Method 3

coupled with a gear train providing a variable mechanical advantage, allows for a consistent input torque throughout the rotation angle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3613526B1Magnetic drill press

Publication Date: 2023.12.13 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP

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AI summary

A magnetic drill press comprising a main housing, a drill unit supported by the main housing for relative movement therewith in a direction of a rotational axis of the drill unit; and a magnetic base (22) coupled to the main housing for selectively magnetically latching to a ferromagnetic workpiece, the base including a plurality of grooves (67) formed on a surface of the base engageable with the ferromagnetic workpiece.