Table Saw Auto Shutdown Using Workpiece Removal Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Table tools often waste power and pose safety hazards when cutting large workpieces, as users cannot manually shut them down promptly due to being occupied with the cutting process.

Innovation Solution

A table tool with multiple working modes and an automatic shutdown feature that uses a sensing device to detect the removal of a workpiece, allowing for intelligent control and efficient power management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual shutdown operation is used, then user can control the tool, but user cannot shut down in time when hands are occupied with cutting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual shutdown operationVSAvoidshutdown response time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The table tool automatically detects workpiece removal through the sensing device and shuts down the motor without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own operational state and autonomously transitioning from running to stopped state when the workpiece is removed, eliminating the need for user action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing device continuously monitors whether the workpiece is present on the table and provides feedback signals to the control circuit. Based on this feedback, the control circuit automatically adjusts the motor state, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to real-time conditions without manual input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If manual shutdown is required, then tool operation is simple, but power is wasted and safety hazards occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshutdown control mechanismVSAvoidpower waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects when the workpiece is removed and independently shuts down the motor without requiring user intervention. This self-service capability ensures power is not wasted while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple through automatic sensing and response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automatic sensing and control system. The sensing device detects workpiece presence and the control circuit automatically manages motor power, substituting human action with an automated electromechanical system that prevents power waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of energy

If automatic shutdown function is added, then power waste is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower waste reductionVSAvoidautomatic shutdown system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing device provides continuous feedback about workpiece presence to the control circuit, enabling automatic shutdown decisions. This feedback mechanism reduces power waste by ensuring the motor only runs when needed, while the complexity is managed through a straightforward sensor-controller architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing device acts as an intermediary between the workpiece and the motor control system. It detects workpiece presence and translates this physical state into electrical signals that the control circuit uses to manage motor power, reducing the need for complex direct control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of time

If sensing device is used for automatic detection, then shutdown timing is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshutdown response timeVSAvoidsensing and control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing device provides real-time feedback on workpiece presence, enabling immediate detection and response when the workpiece is removed. This feedback loop minimizes shutdown response time while maintaining manageable system complexity through a direct sensor-to-controller signal path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection and manual shutdown actions with an automated sensing system. The sensing device electronically detects workpiece presence and the control circuit automatically manages motor shutdown, substituting slow manual reactions with fast electronic detection and control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4186624B1Table tool
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 NANJING CHERVON IND
  • EP4186624B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4186624B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4186624B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A table tool (100B, 100) includes a table (10), a saw blade (20), a motor (30B, 30), a controller (70B, 70), a sensing device and a first switch (51B, 51). The table (10) has a workplane (11) on which a workpiece (40) is placed. The saw blade (20) acts on the workpiece (40). The motor (30B, 30) drives the saw blade (20) to rotate. The controller (70B, 70) is used for controlling rotation of the motor (30B, 30). The sensing device is electrically connected to the controller (70B, 70) and used for sensing a state of the workpiece (40) and outputting a first signal to the controller (70B, 70). The first switch (51B, 51) is used for a user to select a working mode from at least two working modes of the table tool (100B, 100). When the table tool (100B, 100) is in a first working mode, the controller (70B, 70) is configured to adjust a rotational speed of the motor (30B, 30) to be a first rotational speed based on an acquired first signal or a working parameter of the motor (30B, 30).