Miter Saw Turntable Lock Layout for Compact Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Benchtop cutting machines, such as miter saws, face challenges in compacting their lock mechanisms without increasing cost and weight, as existing designs require additional space for manipulation and interference with workpieces.
Innovation Solution
The lock mechanism is redesigned with a disengagement-holding member that pivots upward of the locking pin, allowing for compactness in the up-down direction by utilizing space above the locking pin and simplifying the structure, and includes features like a slide shaft and manipulatable button for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pivot center of the operation member is disposed downward of the lock pin to allow sufficient pivoting movement, then the lock pin can be disengaged from the recesses, but the size of the lock mechanism increases in the up-down direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the pivot center of the operation member upward of the lock pin instead of downward. This inversion allows the operation member to pivot in the opposite direction, achieving the necessary disengagement of the lock pin from recesses while reducing the vertical space required for the lock mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the height of the base is increased to provide more vertical distance between the manipulatable knob and the bottom surface, then sufficient space is provided for finger insertion, but the cost of materials and weight of the cutting machine increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the manipulatable portion of the operation member to a position upward of the manipulatable knob, utilizing the horizontal plane rather than increasing vertical distance. This dimensional shift provides adequate space for finger insertion and manipulation without increasing the height of the base, thereby avoiding additional material costs and weight.
3Ease of operation
If the lock mechanism protrudes above the upper surface of the table, then sufficient space is available for manipulation, but it interferes with the workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the manipulatable portion of the operation member within the vertical space already occupied by other components, specifically upward of the manipulatable knob but below the upper surface of the table. This nesting arrangement ensures that the lock mechanism remains compact and does not protrude above the table surface, preventing interference with workpieces while maintaining adequate manipulation space.
4Length of stationary object
If the lock mechanism is made more compact in the up-down direction by positioning the pivot center upward of the locking pin, then the overall size and weight are reduced, but the space for manipulation must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the operation member with optimized dimensions and positioning that allow sufficient pivoting movement within a compact vertical space. The manipulatable portion is positioned upward of the manipulatable knob, providing adequate leverage and manipulation space while maintaining a compact overall structure that reduces the lock mechanism's vertical footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
A benchtop cutting machine (1), such as a miter saw, includes: a base (2); a turntable (3), which is rotatable relative to the base; and a lock mechanism (40), which locks the rotation of the turntable relative to the base. The lock mechanism comprises a locking pin (45), which is movable along its axial direction and locks the rotation of the turntable by engaging with the base, and a manipulatable lever (41), which is pivotable in an up-down direction to release the engagement of the locking pin from the base. The manipulatable lever has a pivot point or center of rotation (42) that is located upward of the locking pin.