Segmented Circular Saw Blade Protector with Coupling Structures

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current circular saw blade protectors are either expensive to manufacture or obscure the cutting portion, making them undesirable for consumer inspection and protection.

Innovation Solution

A protector assembly comprising two shield segments with coupling structures that allow for secure attachment and visibility of the cutting portion, using light-transmissive materials to maintain protection while enabling inspection and easy removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a plastic clam-shell type protector completely surrounds the saw blade, then the cutting portion is protected from damage, but the protector becomes expensive to manufacture and difficult for consumers to remove

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of cutting portionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The protector is divided into two separate shield segments (first shield segment and second shield segment) that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Each segment has coupling structures that allow simple connection without complex molding, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining protection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a sleeve protector is used, then the saw blade is easy to remove, but the cutting portion is obscured from consumer view

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of removalVSAvoidvisibility of cutting portion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The shield segments are made with light-transmissive portions that allow consumers to inspect the cutting portion through the protector. This localized transparency maintains protection while enabling visual inspection without requiring removal of the protector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a clam-shell protector is used, then the cutting portion is protected, but the protector is difficult for consumers to remove

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of cutting portionVSAvoidease of removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protector is segmented into two parts with simple coupling structures (protrusions and recesses) that enable easy assembly and disassembly. Consumers can easily separate the segments to remove or install the saw blade without requiring tools or excessive force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 provides cost-effective protection for circular saw blades, allowing for clear inspection of the cutting portion and secure attachment, preventing damage during handling and display.

Implementation Method 1

using light-transmissive materials to maintain protection while enabling inspection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS8746451B2Circular saw blade protector
Publication Date: 2014.06.10 ROBERT BOSCH TOOL
  • US8746451B2 patent drawing
  • US8746451B2 patent drawing
  • US8746451B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A protector assembly includes a first shield segment defining a first blade space. The first shield segment includes a first channel structure defining a first channel facing the first blade space. The protector assembly further includes a second shield segment defining a second blade space. The second shield segment includes a second channel structure defining a second channel facing the second blade space. The first shield segment further includes (i) a first end portion that includes a first coupling structure, and (ii) a second end portion that includes a second coupling structure. The second shield segment further includes (i) a third end portion that includes a third coupling structure, and (ii) a fourth end portion that includes a fourth coupling structure. When the first end portion of the first shield segment is positioned adjacent to the third end portion of the second shield segment, the first coupling structure cooperates with the third coupling structure to couple the first end portion to the third end portion. When the second end portion of the first shield segment is positioned adjacent to the fourth end portion of the second shield segment, the second coupling structure cooperates with the fourth coupling structure to couple the second end portion to the fourth end portion.