Track Saw Hinge Assembly for Repeatable Miter Cuts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional track saw systems require reconfiguration for each miter cut, as the track must be removed and repositioned for subsequent cuts at the same angle, which is inefficient and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A track saw system with a pivot hinge assembly and adjustable miter gauge that allows the track to be lifted, translated laterally, and adjusted in height, enabling easy repositioning and locking for precise miter angles without disturbing the cutting setup, along with a miter gauge indicating assembly for accurate angle indication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the track is removed and repositioned for each miter cut, then the miter angle can be adjusted, but the setup time increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemiter angle adjustmentVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The track is made dynamically adjustable through the hinge assembly, allowing it to pivot between different miter angles while remaining connected to the base. This dynamic capability enables angle changes without complete removal and repositioning, reducing setup time while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The track system is segmented into the track portion and the base portion connected by a hinge. This segmentation allows the track to be independently adjusted to different angles while remaining attached to the base, enabling quick angle changes without moving the entire assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the track is removed and repositioned for each miter cut, then the correct miter angle can be achieved, but the operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemiter angle precisionVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly provides dynamic angle adjustment capability, allowing the track to be easily pivoted to different miter angles while maintaining precise positioning. This eliminates the complex removal and repositioning operations while preserving angle precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the base and track, facilitating smooth and precise angle adjustments. This intermediary component simplifies the operation by providing a controlled pivot point rather than requiring direct manual repositioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the track remains fixed on the workpiece, then the cutting position is maintained, but the ability to make multiple cuts at different angles is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting position stabilityVSAvoidmulti-angle cutting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge connection provides a stable yet dynamically adjustable link between the base and track. The track maintains a stable cutting position during operation while allowing controlled pivoting to different angles between cuts, achieving both stability and multi-angle capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge assembly provides multi-functionality by enabling the track to serve multiple purposes: maintaining stable cutting positions during operation and allowing angle changes between operations. This single mechanism achieves both fixed-position stability and multi-angle versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3708317B1Track saw system
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 TECHTRONIC CORDLESS GP
  • EP3708317B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3708317B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3708317B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

A track saw (104) system is configured to make a straight cut in a work piece supported upon a stand (200). The track saw (104) system includes a base (1300, 300) configured for attachment to the stand (200), the base (1300, 300) having an edge (128) against which the work piece is engageable, a track (1008, 108) pivotably coupled to the base (1300, 300), a first hinge (1014) pivotably coupling the track (1008, 108) to the base (1300, 300) about a first pivot axis (180) to permit pivoting movement of the track (1008, 108) relative to the base (1300, 300) in a direction extending away from the base (1300, 300), and a second hinge (1014) pivotably coupling the track (1008, 108) to the base (1300, 300) about a second pivot axis (160) transverse to the first pivot axis (180) to permit pivoting movement of the track (1008, 108) relative to the base (1300, 300) to adjust a miter angle between the track (1008, 108) and the edge (128).