Push Block With Retractable Heel And Safety Barrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing push blocks in woodworking are unstable when used with wider work pieces, lack safety barriers for the operator's hand, and have non-replaceable parts, making them unsuitable for various cutting operations.

Innovation Solution

A push block with a wide, stable base, non-slip surface, passively actuated retractable heel members, and a safety barrier between the handle and cutting element, featuring a replaceable heel design for enhanced safety and versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a narrow base push block is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability and applicability to wider work pieces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepush block structureVSAvoidpush block stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The push block incorporates retractable heel members that can extend and retract based on operational needs. This dynamic feature allows the push block to adapt its footprint and stability characteristics, providing enhanced stability for wider work pieces when needed while maintaining a compact form when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The push block is divided into modular components including a main body, handle, and separate retractable heel members. This segmentation allows the heel members to be independently controlled and repositioned, enabling the push block to stabilize wider work pieces without requiring a permanently larger base structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If no safety barrier is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operator safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepush block structureVSAvoidhand exposure to cutting element

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A safety barrier is introduced as an intermediary component between the operator's hand and the cutting element. This barrier physically blocks direct exposure to the cutting element while allowing the operator to safely guide the work piece through the cutting operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The push block is segmented into distinct functional zones including a safety barrier section, handle section, and heel member section. This segmentation allows the safety barrier to be positioned optimally to protect the operator's hand while maintaining ergonomic handle access and effective pushing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If non-replaceable parts are used, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepush block manufacturingVSAvoidheel member replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The heel members are designed as separable, replaceable components that can be independently removed and replaced without replacing the entire push block. This modular design maintains manufacturing precision for each component while dramatically improving ease of repair and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heel members are designed to be replaceable wear components that can be discarded when damaged and replaced with new ones. This approach allows the main push block body to be retained and reused, reducing waste and maintenance costs while maintaining operational precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Device complexity

If fixed heel position is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different cutting positions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheel mechanismVSAvoidcutting position adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The heel members are designed with passive actuation mechanisms that allow them to extend and retract automatically based on the operational conditions. This dynamic capability enables the push block to adapt to both horizontal and vertical cutting positions without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The heel members utilize passive actuation that allows them to automatically extend or retract based on contact forces during operation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex actuators or manual adjustment mechanisms, maintaining device simplicity while achieving adaptability to different cutting positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9707694B2Push block for a woodworking apparatus

Publication Date: 2017.07.18 WANG HENRY

AI summary

A push block for a woodworking tool includes a 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.