Rotatable Grinder Guard Assembly with Ball Bearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grinder guards are fixed and obstruct the user's view, requiring frequent adjustments or removal to access workpieces fully, and pose hazards when the tool is left unattended with a spinning disc.
Innovation Solution
A fully rotatable grinder guard with a shroud-like cover and ball bearing assembly allowing 360-degree movement, combined with a brake paddle for secure positioning and automatic return to prevent contact with surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed grinder guard is used, then user safety is protected by preventing sparks and debris projection, but the user's view is obstructed and access to workpieces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The guard assembly is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic one that can rotate around the grinding disc. The shield portion rotates about the disc axis, and the entire assembly can be tilted relative to the tool axis, allowing the guard to adapt its position while maintaining protective coverage and providing unobstructed access to the workpiece
2Ease of operation
If the guard is removed or adjusted frequently to access workpieces, then access is improved, but user safety is compromised and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable and tiltable guard assembly allows continuous safety protection while providing flexible access to workpieces at any position around the disc, eliminating the need to remove or frequently adjust the guard
Solution Approach 2:
The guard assembly is divided into separable components (shield, mount, bearing assembly) that can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing quick setup while maintaining safety during operation
3Device complexity
If a fixed guard structure is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the tool becomes unstable when left unattended with a spinning disc
Solution Approach 1:
The guard assembly incorporates rotational and tilting capabilities with controlled degrees of freedom, allowing the guard to naturally position itself and return to neutral positions, providing inherent stability when the tool is unattended while maintaining operational flexibility
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
Enables unobstructed access to workpieces while maintaining user safety by allowing the guard to rotate freely around the grinding disc, preventing debris projection and tool instability when unattended.
Implementation Method 1
The grinder guard includes a shroud-like cover and ball bearing assembly allowing 360-degree movement
Data Source
AI summary
A fully rotatable guard assembly (200) for use with a tool having a rotating disc includes at least one rotatable bearing (215, 223) for positioning on a shaft behind a rotating disc (207). A shield (203) works with the rotatable bearing (215, 223) for preventing sparks or other debris from being projected toward a user. A brake lever (241) is attached to the shield (203) for allowing the user to position the shield (203) at a predetermined position in relation to the rotating disc. The shield (203) is configured to cover approximately one-half (½) of the rotating disc (207) such that the position of the shield (203) can be easily rotated through use of the brake lever (241) for enabling the user to move the shield (203) such that the rotating disc (207) can access a workpiece.