Movable Table Saw Support Plate With Integrated Splinter Protection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing table saw designs often result in surface damage to workpieces during handling and processing due to the need to push the workpiece over a fixed support plate, leading to scratches and tearing during sawing.

Innovation Solution

A table saw design featuring a workpiece support plate that is mounted displaceably in the sawing direction relative to the support structure and saw blade, equipped with a splinter protection element that moves with the support plate, providing protection between the workpiece and saw blade.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a fixed workpiece support plate is used in conventional table saws, then the structure is simple and stable, but the workpiece surface is damaged due to scratching when pushed over the support plate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece surface damageVSAvoidtable saw structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The workpiece support plate is made movable relative to the saw blade along the sawing direction, transforming from a fixed structure to a dynamic one. This allows the support plate to be positioned optimally for different workpiece sizes and shapes, preventing surface damage while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The table saw is divided into independent movable components: the workpiece support plate can move separately from the main support structure, and the splinter protection element is attached to the movable plate rather than being fixed to the stationary structure. This segmentation enables flexible positioning without overall structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the workpiece support plate is made movable to reduce surface damage, then workpiece handling is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece handling easeVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The workpiece support plate utilizes the natural feeding motion of the operator to move along the sawing direction. The plate's movement is passive and self-driven by the workpiece insertion action, eliminating the need for motors, actuators, or complex mechanical drive mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The splinter protection element is combined with the movable workpiece support plate as an integrated assembly. This merging ensures that the protection element automatically follows the plate's movement without requiring separate mounting mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a dedicated fixed mounting structure for splinter guard is added, then splinter protection is improved, but the design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesplintering riskVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable workpiece support plate serves as an intermediary carrier for the splinter protection element. Instead of directly mounting the protection element to the stationary support structure, it is attached to the movable plate, which automatically positions the protection element correctly relative to the saw blade during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable workpiece support plate performs multiple functions: it supports the workpiece during cutting, provides a mounting base for the splinter protection element, and enables positioning adjustments. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated fixed mounting structures for the splinter guard

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

Data Source

PatentEP3523078B1Table saw and splinter protection element
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 FESTOOL GMBH
  • EP3523078B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3523078B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3523078B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a table saw (1), preferably a table circular saw, comprising a support structure (2), which can be placed on a base and on the top side of which a workpiece support plate (4) is provided, and comprising a saw blade (5), which protrudes upward from the workpiece support plate (4). The workpiece support plate (4) is mounted for sliding relative to the support structure (2) and to the saw blade (5) in a sawing direction (y) and has a splinter protection element (6), which is arranged on a side (7) of the workpiece support plate (4) facing the saw blade (5). Said side is guided past the saw blade (5) as the workpiece support plate (4) is slid.