Push Block With Extendable Heel And Safety Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior push blocks in woodworking have a narrow base, making them unstable when used with wider work pieces, lack safety barriers to protect operators' hands, and do not have replaceable parts, requiring the entire device to be replaced if damaged.
Innovation Solution
A push block with a wide base, non-slip surface, passively actuated heel members that extend and retract, and a safety barrier between the handle and cutting element, along with replaceable heel members for enhanced stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a narrow base push block is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability deteriorates when cutting wider work pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The push block incorporates movable heel members that can extend and retract based on the work piece width. This dynamic adjustment allows the push block to adapt its footprint - using a narrower effective base for thin pieces and a wider base for thick pieces, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and stability across different work piece dimensions.
2Ease of operation
If no safety barrier is provided, then the ease of operation is improved, but the operator safety deteriorates due to hand exposure to cutting elements
Solution Approach 1:
The push block design places the operator's hand on the opposite side of the work piece from the cutting element, using the work piece itself as an intermediary barrier. This configuration allows direct contact with the work piece for easy operation while the work piece thickness prevents hand exposure to the cutting element, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and safety.
3Device complexity
If the heel member is integrated into the push block body, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of repair deteriorates when the heel is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The heel member is designed as a separate, detachable component from the push block body, connected through a slot and spring mechanism. This segmentation allows the heel to be independently replaced when damaged, resolving the contradiction between simple construction and ease of repair by adding minimal structural complexity for significant repairability improvement.
4Device complexity
If a fixed heel position is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates for different cutting positions
Solution Approach 1:
The heel member is designed to move passively in response to work piece thickness variations and cutting positions. The spring-loaded mechanism allows the heel to extend when needed for support and retract when not needed, providing adaptability for different cutting positions without requiring complex active control systems, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.
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 push block provides stability for wider work pieces, protects operators from cutting hazards, and allows for easy replacement of damaged parts, ensuring continuous use and improved safety and efficiency in woodworking operations.
Implementation Method 1
a non-slip surface
Data Source
AI summary
A push block for a woodworking tool comprises at least heel member at an end of the push block and the heel member is passively actuatable to an extended position to engage a trailing end surface of a work piece to advance the work piece by a working element. The push block also includes a wall member along a first side of the push block to serve as a barrier between a cutting element and an operator's hand. In addition, the push block includes a handle that is disposed obliquely relative to first and second sides and a longitudinal axis of the push block.