Miter Saw Bevel Locking Mechanism for Front-Angle Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding miter saws require users to reach behind the support section to adjust the bevel angle, which is inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A bevel locking mechanism with a handle and gear system that allows users to adjust and lock the bevel angle without reaching behind, using a belt and nut system or a detent mechanism with conical portions and apertures to change and fix the angle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the traditional bevel adjustment mechanism is used, then the bevel angle can be changed, but the user must reach behind the support section which is inconvenient and unsafe

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebevel angle adjustment convenienceVSAvoiduser injury risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional mechanism arrangement by moving the bevel adjustment mechanism from the rear of the support section to the front. The handle is now positioned on the front surface of the support section, allowing users to adjust the bevel angle by reaching forward instead of reaching behind the moving blade assembly, thereby eliminating the safety hazard while maintaining full functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the bevel adjustment mechanism is moved to the front, then user safety is improved, but the mechanical structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser injury riskVSAvoidmechanical structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested mechanism where the bevel adjustment mechanism is integrated within the existing support section structure. The handle connects to a series of interconnected components (linkage arms, pivots, and locking elements) that are nested within the support section housing, allowing the complex mechanical function to be achieved without proportionally increasing the external dimensions or overall structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary linkage mechanism that translates the simple rotational motion of the front-mounted handle into the required angular adjustment of the support section. This intermediary system of connected arms and pivots acts as a mediator between the user input and the bevel angle change, enabling safe front-access adjustment while maintaining mechanical efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3546099B1Miter saw
Publication Date: 2022.09.21 BLACK & DECKER CORP
  • EP3546099B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3546099B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3546099B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A miter saw (100) has a base assembly (110), a table (120) rotatably disposed on the base assembly (110), a support section (130) rotatably connected to the table (120), a guide bar (140) fixedly attached to and extending forwardly from the support section (130), and a saw assembly (150) sliding along the guide bar (140). The saw assembly (150) is pivotable downwardly for cutting a workpiece (W) disposed on the table (120). A handle (160K, 170H) is disposed adjacent to a forward end of the guide bar (140). The handle (160K, 170H) is movable between a first position for fixing a rotational position of the support section (130) relative to the table (120), and a second position for allowing rotational movement of the support section (130) relative to the table (120).