Interchangeable Power Tool Bases for Edge Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power tools lack versatility and operator comfort during machining operations, particularly in edge cutting and trimming tasks, due to limited base configurations and inadequate grip mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The power tool design incorporates interchangeable bases with auxiliary grips, including annular, rectangular, and offset configurations, along with a clamp and adjusting mechanism, to enhance operator control and comfort by providing improved grip and slip prevention, allowing for various machining operations and efficient edge cutting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single base configuration is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different machining operations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different machining operationsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base assembly is designed with a universal mounting interface that accepts multiple base configurations (annular base, rectangular base, offset base). This allows a single base assembly structure to perform multiple machining functions by simply changing the base attachment, eliminating the need for multiple specialized base assemblies and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The base assembly is segmented into interchangeable base components (annular base, rectangular base, offset base) that can be independently selected and attached to the base mount. This segmentation allows users to choose the appropriate base for specific machining tasks without redesigning the entire base assembly, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If traditional base configurations without auxiliary grips are used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary grip is merged with the base structure as an integrated component. The grip portion is formed as part of the base assembly, combining the structural function of the base with the ergonomic function of the grip. This integration improves operator comfort and control without requiring separate manufacturing processes or additional assembly steps, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while significantly enhancing ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed base configurations are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different workspaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different workspacesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base assembly incorporates adjustable elements including tiltable base assemblies that can change their orientation angle, and offset base assemblies that can adjust their lateral position. These dynamic adjustments allow the same base assembly to adapt to different workspace configurations and machining requirements without increasing the fundamental device complexity, as the adjustments are achieved through simple mechanical mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2502720B1Power tool
Publication Date: 2015.05.06 MAKITA CORP
  • EP2502720B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2502720B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2502720B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power tool (1) includes a tool unit (10) having a rotary spindle (11), a unit support member (22; 42; 62) configured to support the tool unit (10), and a plurality of bases (23, 41, 61) for contacting with a workpiece (W). The bases (23, 41, 61) have different shapes from each other and can be selectively mounted to the unit support member (22).