Modular Router Assembly With Integrated Lighting and Vibration Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing routers lack versatility and efficiency in power source compatibility, lighting systems, and vibration damping, which affects their performance and usability in various woodworking tasks.

Innovation Solution

A router design featuring a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor compatible with battery packs, dual-action switch assembly, and advanced vibration damping mechanisms, along with integrated lighting and interchangeable bases for enhanced versatility and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a router uses a fixed base design, then structural stability is improved, but versatility and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidversatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The router is divided into separate modular components: a motor unit and interchangeable bases (fixed base and plunge base). This segmentation allows each base type to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system stability, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The motor unit is designed with universal mounting features that allow it to be attached to different base types. The motor unit housing includes standardized mounting surfaces and connection interfaces that work with both fixed and plunge bases, enabling one motor unit to serve multiple functions across different routing operations.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a router includes multiple bases and accessories, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple base types (fixed base and plunge base) are combined into a single interchangeable base system that attaches to the same motor unit. This merging approach allows users to own multiple bases without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as they share common mounting mechanisms and control interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base selection and configuration is made dynamic rather than fixed. Users can switch between different base types depending on the specific routing task, allowing the system complexity to adapt to the requirements of each operation rather than being permanently maximized for all possible operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If a router uses a standard motor housing design, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to different power sources deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidpower source compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The motor housing is designed with differentiated local features: a standardized portion for ease of manufacture and a specialized battery receiving portion for power source adaptability. The battery receiving portion includes specific structural features (opening, rim, engagement surfaces) that enable battery pack attachment while the rest of the housing maintains standard manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If a router integrates lighting devices, then usability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveusabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Lighting devices are merged with the base structure rather than being separate components. The lighting devices are integrated into the base housing, sharing the same structural support and power connection, which reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the usability benefit of improved lighting during routing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design provides improved power efficiency, reduced vibrations, and enhanced usability with interchangeable bases, allowing for more precise and efficient woodworking operations.

Implementation Method 1

a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor situated within the housing and configured to provide rotational energy to rotate an output device of the motor unit about an output axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

advanced vibration damping mechanisms

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4400269B1router
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP
  • EP4400269B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4400269B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4400269B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to a power tool including a motor housing and an electric motor situated within the motor housing. The electric motor is configured to provide rotational energy to rotate an output device of the power tool about an output axis. The power tool also includes a cover configured to cover at least a portion of a surface of the motor housing that faces the output device. The power tool further includes a first lighting device located within the cover and a second lighting device located within the cover. The first lighting device and the second lighting device are located around the output axis and are separated from each other by at least 130 degrees about the output axis. The power tool also includes first power wires configured to provide power to the first lighting device from a power source of the power tool.