Oscillating Power Tool Eccentric Drive for Adjustable Stroke Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oscillating power tools lack the ability to adjust the angular amplitude of oscillation efficiently, limiting their versatility and effectiveness in various cutting and sanding operations.
Innovation Solution
An oscillating power tool with a drive mechanism that includes an eccentric member and a forked member, coupled with an amplitude adjustment actuator, allowing for the angular amplitude of oscillation to be adjusted by moving an eccentric bearing parallel to the motor axis, enabling smooth and precise control of the oscillation amplitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an amplitude adjustment actuator is added to enable angular amplitude adjustment, then the versatility and adaptability of the oscillating power tool is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The amplitude adjustment actuator is nested within the existing drive mechanism structure. The actuator includes a first actuator portion and a second actuator portion that are integrated into the housing and drive mechanism components, allowing amplitude adjustment functionality to be incorporated without requiring a completely separate adjustment system.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism employs an eccentric member that can dynamically adjust its position along the motor axis through the actuator. This dynamic positioning capability allows the angular amplitude of oscillation to be varied continuously, transforming a static oscillation system into a dynamically adjustable one.
2Manufacturing precision
If an eccentric member and actuator mechanism are introduced for amplitude control, then the precision of angular amplitude adjustment is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The amplitude adjustment actuator is divided into distinct segments: a first actuator portion with a first actuation surface and a second actuator portion with a second actuation surface. Each portion can be manufactured and assembled separately, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining precise adjustment capability through the coordinated action of these segmented components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses changes in the positional parameter of the eccentric member along the motor axis to control the angular amplitude. By adjusting the position of the eccentric member through the actuator, the oscillation amplitude is precisely controlled without requiring complex manufacturing tolerances on other components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the eccentric member is made movable along the motor axis for amplitude adjustment, then the versatility for different cutting and sanding operations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The amplitude adjustment actuator serves multiple functions: it controls the angular amplitude for different cutting applications, adjusts oscillation for sanding operations, and can accommodate various accessory types. This universal adjustment mechanism replaces the need for multiple specialized tools, simplifying the overall system while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The eccentric member is designed to be movable along the motor axis, creating a dynamic adjustment capability. This dynamic feature allows the same tool to adapt to different operational requirements by simply repositioning the eccentric member, rather than requiring multiple static configurations or separate tools.
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 solution provides an oscillating power tool with infinitely adjustable angular amplitude, enhancing its versatility and performance in cutting and sanding tasks by allowing operators to customize the oscillation stroke length for different applications.
Implementation Method 1
an eccentric member configured to rotate off center about the motor axis
Implementation Method 2
an amplitude adjustment actuator configured to move the eccentric member in the direction generally parallel to the motor axis to change an angular amplitude of oscillating rotation of the forked member
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillating power tool includes a housing, a motor disposed generally within the housing and including a drive shaft, an output spindle configured to be driven by the motor and journaled for oscillating rotation about an oscillation axis, a drive mechanism configured to convert rotation of the drive shaft into oscillating rotation of the output spindle about the oscillation axis, the drive mechanism including an eccentric member configured to rotate off center about the motor axis, and a forked member operatively coupled to the eccentric member and configured for oscillating rotation about the oscillation axis in response to rotation of the eccentric member, and an amplitude adjustment actuator configured to move the eccentric member in the direction generally parallel to the motor axis to change an angular amplitude of oscillating rotation of the forked member.