Mitre Saw Locking Mechanism for Low-Force Angle Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools, such as chop saws, can be cumbersome to operate due to the high force required to counteract spring arrangements, making it difficult for operators to easily actuate and control latching mechanisms with one hand.

Innovation Solution

The machine tool design incorporates a mechanism where the actuating element, used for both unlocking and blocking the latching device, can be pivoted or displaced to engage or disengage the latching mechanism without requiring significant operator force, allowing for easier operation by eliminating the need to reach for additional blocking elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a spring arrangement with high force is used in the latching device, then the latching reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as the operator must counteract significant force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelatching reliabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A blocking element is introduced as an intermediary component between the operator and the latching mechanism. This blocking element can assume a blocking position that prevents the latching element from engaging with the latching counter-element, thereby mediating the high spring force by providing a mechanical barrier that eliminates the need for the operator to directly counteract the spring force during blocking operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element is designed to maintain the blocking position through its own mechanical configuration and the action of the spring arrangement itself. Once positioned, the spring force automatically maintains the blocking state without requiring continuous operator input or force application, allowing the system to serve itself in maintaining the blocked state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a separate blocking element is introduced to prevent latching, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element is merged with existing components of the latching device, specifically utilizing the actuating element or a component integrated into the same mechanical assembly. This combining approach allows the blocking function to be achieved without adding completely separate, independent components, thereby reducing the overall device complexity while still providing the desired ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element is designed to serve multiple functions within the latching mechanism. It can assume a blocking position to prevent latching engagement and can be integrated with the actuating mechanism to provide both latching and blocking capabilities through a single component or closely coordinated components, thereby achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3246141B1Machine tool, in particular mitre saw
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 FESTOOL GMBH
  • EP3246141B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3246141B1 patent drawingFigure 2~8
  • EP3246141B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a machine tool (10), in particular a saw or a miter saw, for separating a workpiece, comprising a drive assembly (11) which has a drive motor (12) and a tool holder (13) for a cutting tool (14) which can be driven by the drive motor (12), with a pivot base (18) on which a pivoting part (17) is pivotably mounted about a pivot axis (S) for changing a relative position of the tool holder (13) for the cutting tool (14) and a contact surface (16) provided for positioning a workpiece, and with a locking device (60) comprising a locking element (61) which is biased into a locking position (R) by a spring arrangement (65).which in a detent position (R) is engaged with at least one detent counter contour (63) and fixes the pivot part (17) rotationally fixed relative to the pivot base (18) and in a release position (O) is disengaged from the at least one detent counter contour (63) and allows pivoting of the pivot part (17) relative to the pivot base (18), and has a manually actuated actuating element (62) movably mounted with a detent degree of freedom on an actuating element bearing (76) for actuating the detent element (61) from the detent position (R) to the release position (O). It is provided that the actuating element (62) is movably mounted on the actuating element bearing (76) with a locking degree of freedom different from the detent degree of freedom of movement between a detent release position (RF), in which the detent element (61) is released to adjust to the detent position (R), and a detent blocking position (RB),in which the detent element (61) is blocked against adjustment to the detent position (R).