Power Tool Shield Locking Mechanism with Nested Stop Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tool shield locking mechanisms, such as cam locking mechanisms and rotating levers with springs, are either unsafe or complex, making them difficult to operate simply and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A shield-clamping mechanism featuring a stop member with a locking arm and elastic component, such as a spring, arranged on the bearing base, which allows for easy adjustment of the shield's position by sliding within a hollow chamber and engaging/disengaging with grooves on the shield, providing a safe and simple operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cam locking mechanism with a movable collar is used, then the shield can be locked and adjusted, but the safety of the mechanism is relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a stop member with locking arm for engagement, a separate elastic component (spring) for providing locking force, and a magnet system for additional securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall simplicity and high safety through distributed locking actions.
2Ease of operation
If a rotating lever with spring is used to lock the shield, then the mechanism can be operated, but the structure of the body is complicated and the mechanism cannot be operated simply
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from the main body structure and consolidated into a dedicated stop member assembly that integrates the locking arm, elastic component, and magnet. This extraction simplifies the overall body structure while maintaining simple operation, as the stop member serves as a self-contained locking unit that can be actuated independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple locking functions are merged into a single integrated stop member assembly. The locking arm, elastic component, and magnet work together as one unified mechanism, allowing the operator to control all locking actions through a single stop member rather than multiple separate components, thereby simplifying operation.
3Reliability
If a stop member is mounted on the side wall of a bearing base, then the shield can be locked, but the dimension of the bearing base is increased and the structure is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The stop member assembly is nested within the hollow chamber of the bearing base, with the locking arm extending through a groove in the side wall. This nested arrangement allows the locking mechanism to be contained within the existing bearing base volume rather than adding external protrusions, maintaining compact dimensions while providing reliable locking capability.
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 mechanism ensures safe and straightforward adjustment of the shield's position, enhancing operational simplicity and safety while maintaining a compact structure, allowing for convenient shield-clamping and release.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic component arranged between the stop member and the bearing base with its one end acting on the stop member and the other end acting on the bearing base. The elastic component may be a spring.
Implementation Method 2
the stop member and the bearing base may be provided with a magnet thereon respectively.
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool includes a housing accommodating a motor therein, a bearing base having a lower surface and an upper end that is connected to the housing, an output shaft that is mounted in the bearing base and protrudes out of the lower surface of the bearing base, a shield that is movably connected with the bearing base, and a locking mechanism for locking the shield relative to the bearing base. The locking mechanism further includes a locking element arranged on the shield and a stop member and the bearing base is formed with a hollow chamber within which the stop member is arranged.