Cut-Off Machine Spindle Stop Structure for Arm Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hand-held cut-off machines with compact and filigree support arms face reduced stability and rigidity due to high forces during operation, leading to potential damage, as existing designs prioritize weight optimization over structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a stop element in the arm cover that limits spindle movement perpendicular to the axis of rotation, redirecting forces into the arm cover and subsequently the support arm, thereby reducing the load on the support arm's second end, and using a metal arm cover with reinforcement struts and strategically placed bearing elements to manage these forces effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the support arm is designed to be compact and filigree to increase cutting depth, then the cutting depth is improved, but the stability and rigidity of the support arm deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting depthVSAvoidstability and rigidity of support arm
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support arm is divided into multiple segments with individual bearing seats and bearing elements, allowing each segment to independently support and stabilize the spindle while maintaining overall compactness and filigree design for increased cutting depth

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support arm combines lightweight structural elements with strategically placed reinforcing features, creating a composite design that maintains rigidity and stability while preserving the compact, filigree appearance necessary for deep cutting applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Weight of moving object

If weight optimization is prioritized in the support arm design, then the weight is reduced, but the stability and rigidity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of support armVSAvoidstability and rigidity of support arm
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support arm features localized reinforcement at critical bearing seats and mounting points where forces are concentrated, while other areas remain lightweight and filigree, achieving optimal balance between weight reduction and structural stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The support arm is segmented into distinct functional zones with bearing elements and reinforcing struts positioned only where mechanically necessary, allowing weight optimization in non-critical areas while maintaining stability in load-bearing regions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If a one-piece support arm design is used to increase stability and rigidity, then the stability and rigidity is improved, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability and rigidity of support armVSAvoidweight of support arm
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support arm is designed as a segmented structure with multiple bearing seats and bearing elements rather than a solid one-piece construction, reducing material usage and weight while maintaining stability and rigidity through strategic placement of support features

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Weight of moving object

If the support arm is designed with numerous openings and recesses to reduce weight, then the weight is reduced, but the stability and rigidity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of support armVSAvoidstability and rigidity of support arm
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support arm incorporates openings and recesses in non-critical areas to reduce weight, while maintaining full structural integrity at bearing seats and force transmission points, achieving weight reduction without compromising stability and rigidity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3849743B1Hand-held abrasive cut-off machine
Publication Date: 2022.07.06 HILTI AG
  • EP3849743B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3849743B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3849743B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a hand-held cutting grinder, comprising a cutting disk (11), a motor housing including a drive unit, and an arm (16) having a support arm (17) and an arm cover (18). A stop element (41) is provided for the spindle (12) in the arm cover (18) and limits the movement of the spindle (12) in a plane (48) perpendicular to the axis of rotation (13) during operation.