Power Tool Anti-Vibration Mechanism and Safety Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power tools face issues with vibration transmission, occupational safety, noise reduction, and heat exhaustion, affecting operator efficiency and safety during cutting and trimming operations.

Innovation Solution

The power tool incorporates an anti-vibration mechanism using resilient members like rubber to absorb vibrations, a handle rotation lock and trigger lock mechanism for safety, a noise reduction air intake system with an extended air path and filter, and a forward-pointing exhaust outlet to direct exhaust away from the cutting area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the power tool operates with cutting blades, then cutting function is achieved, but vibration forces are generated and transmitted to the handle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting functionVSAvoidvibration transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate mounting structure with resilient members (springs, rubber elements, or viscoelastic materials) positioned between the main body and handle. This intermediary structure absorbs and dampens vibration forces generated by the cutting blades, preventing their transmission to the handle while maintaining the structural connection necessary for tool operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the handle is made rotatable for ergonomic adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but safety risks increase due to unintended rotation during activation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle adjustabilityVSAvoidoperational safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic handle system that can rotate between fixed angular positions during non-operational states for ergonomic adjustment, but locks into a fixed position during operational states to prevent unintended rotation. The locking mechanism engages automatically when the power tool is activated, transforming the handle from a movable to a fixed state to ensure safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the air intake path is shortened for compact design, then device complexity is reduced, but noise from air intake increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair intake structureVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the air intake path in the longitudinal direction of the power tool, utilizing the available length along the tool's axis rather than expanding the cross-sectional area. This allows for a longer, quieter air intake path within a compact overall form factor, reducing noise while maintaining a simple structural design.

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

4Device complexity

If the exhaust outlet is positioned at the rear for simple design, then device complexity is reduced, but heat exhaustion affects the operator

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexhaust systemVSAvoidheat exposure to operator
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional exhaust outlet positioning by placing it at the front of the main body rather than at the rear. This causes the exhaust to be directed forward, away from the operator's hands and body, reducing heat exposure and improving operator comfort while maintaining a simple exhaust system design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 effectively reduces vibration and noise, enhances operator safety by restricting handle rotation during activation, and directs exhaust gases away from the cutting area, improving overall user experience and tool longevity.

Implementation Method 1

an anti-vibration mechanism arranged to reduce the transmission of any vibration forces generated by the main body to the at least one handle during the operation of the power tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the anti-vibration mechanism comprises an intermediate mounting structure having a resilient member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

an air intake mechanism provided on the main body and arranged to reduce a noise generated by an intake of air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNoise reduction: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 4

a locking mechanism arranged to restrict a rotational movement of the handle with respect to the main body and/or the power tool from being activated in response to an actuation of the actuator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3405020B1Power tool for cutting or trimming
Publication Date: 2020.09.16 TECHTRONIC OUTDOOR PRODS TECH
  • EP3405020B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3405020B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3405020B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power tool for cutting or trimming is provided. The power tool comprises a main body (110,210,310,410) having at least one handle (123,130,230) arranged to be grasp by a user during the operation of the power tool, an anti-vibration mechanism (100,150) arranged to reduce the transmission of any vibration forces generated by the main body to the at least one handle during the operation of the power tool, a locking mechanism (200) arranged to selectively restrict a rotational movement of the handle with respect to the main body and/or the power tool from being activated in response to an actuation of an actuator, a noise reduction engine air-intake mechanism (300) and a forward pointing exhaust outlet (400) arranged to discharge exhaust generated by a combustion engine (440). The power tool is improved and provides easy, practical and secure presentation and good user experience.