Integrated Power Tool Depth Stop With Compact Dust Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dust collection systems for power tools are bulky, awkward, and costly due to being separate tools that require duplicate parts, limiting maneuverability and increasing overall system weight and cost.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a dust collection assembly within the power tool, sharing components and reducing the number of parts, resulting in a more compact and cost-effective system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If a dust collection assembly is integrated within the power tool, then the overall weight and size of the system is reduced, but the complexity of integrating multiple functions into a single housing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall weightVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dust collection assembly is merged with the power tool housing, combining the dust collection function with the power tool structure. The housing serves dual purposes as both the power tool enclosure and the dust collection container, eliminating the need for separate dust collection equipment and reducing overall system weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is designed to perform multiple functions: it encloses the power tool components, collects dust during operation, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing overall weight while managing integration complexity through unified design.

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

2Volume of moving object

If a dust collection assembly is integrated within the power tool, then the overall size of the system is reduced, but the complexity of integrating multiple functions into a single housing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall sizeVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dust collection assembly is merged with the power tool housing, combining the dust collection function with the power tool structure. The housing serves dual purposes as both the power tool enclosure and the dust collection container, eliminating the need for separate dust collection equipment and reducing overall system size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dust collection chamber is nested within the power tool housing structure, utilizing the existing housing space for dual purposes. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization and reduces overall system size while managing integration complexity through the unified housing design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Measurement precision

If the stop is lockable at multiple positions along the guide rail, then the depth control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth control precisionVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide rail is segmented with multiple discrete locking positions along its length, allowing the stop to be locked at specific depth intervals. This segmentation provides precise depth control while keeping the locking mechanism relatively simple through the use of standardized spacing and positioning features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250256387A1Power tool with integrated depth stop
Publication Date: 2025.08.14 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP
  • US20250256387A1 patent drawing
  • US20250256387A1 patent drawing
  • US20250256387A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A power tool includes a housing and a guide rail fixed to the housing. A slide is moveable along the guide rail and a stop is lockable at a plurality of positions along the guide rail to limit movement of the slide along the guide rail.