Pivoting Side Edge Cover for Hand-Held Power Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

The handling of hand-held power tools is hindered by protective covering devices that need to be completely removed and reinserted, leading to complicated operation and potential loss or misplacement.

Innovation Solution

The covering element is designed to pivot or fold between open and closed positions, with a spring arrangement to maintain these positions, ensuring it remains accessible and securely in place without operator intervention, and features a flexible seal for effective dust removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cover element is completely removed from the base part for two-handed operation, then the operator can operate the tool with two hands, but the handling becomes complicated and the cover element may be lost or misplaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetwo-handed operationVSAvoidhandling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover element is designed to pivot between two positions (covering and open) rather than being completely removed. This dimensional change from complete removal to angular pivoting simplifies handling while maintaining two-handed operation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring arrangement automatically holds the cover element in either the covering position or the open position without requiring the operator to actively maintain it. The cover element serves itself by being held in position by the spring mechanism, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the cover element is completely removed and reinserted, then the tool can be operated with two hands, but the operation becomes slower and less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetwo-handed operationVSAvoidoperational speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover element transitions from a static removed/inserted state to a dynamic pivoting mechanism. The spring arrangement enables rapid transition between covering and open positions, significantly increasing operational speed compared to complete removal and reinsertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cover element is pre-positioned in the open position using the spring mechanism, allowing the operator to immediately begin two-handed operation without the time-consuming steps of removal and reinsertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If the cover element is held in position without spring arrangement, then the structure is simpler, but the operator must continuously intervene to maintain position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidoperator intervention
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spring arrangement enables the cover element to self-hold in either the covering or open position without continuous operator intervention. The spring mechanism automatically maintains the cover element in the desired position, eliminating the need for manual holding or adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring arrangement changes the mechanical parameter of force balance, allowing the cover element to be held in position through elastic force rather than requiring continuous manual application of force. This parameter change from manual force to elastic force simplifies operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This design simplifies handling by keeping the covering element available and securely positioned, enhancing operational efficiency and dust extraction capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

the hand-held power tool, in particular the covering device, has a spring arrangement for holding the covering element in the open position and/or the covering position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the side edge cover, for example the cover element and/or a base part of the side edge cover, has a flexible seal at least over a partial circumference on a contact side intended for contact with the work object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentEP2163344B1Manually operated machine tool with a side edge cover
Publication Date: 2014.11.19 FESTOOL GMBH
  • EP2163344B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2163344B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP2163344B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The tool has a tool receptacle driven by a drive motor i.e. electric motor, and receiving a tool (21) e.g. grinding disk, for abrasive processing of a work object. A covering device (24) includes a side edge cover (27) for covering a side edge of the tool. A cover element (43) is movably mounted at a pivot bearing (44) between an open position (O) and a covering position. A side edge section of the tool is uncovered in the open position and covered in the covering position. A spring arrangement (52) holds the cover element in the open position and/or the covering position.