I mean if you want to insist that in your head, the artificer is only a gadgeteer, that is fine.
But mechanically and thematically, the artificer is the arcane half-caster class that channels magic through objects, like weapons. Including having specific abilities to cast spells through their weapon, use Intelligence as a weapon attack/damage stat, having weapon attacks that deal elemental damage etc.
I'm actually thinking of something a little like the Guardian Armourer, but layering infusions on a weapon instead. Focus on mobility and damage rather than tanking, with a rearranged spell list with less buffs and support, and more smites.
Add a few more infusions to grant capabilities like unarmoured AC, Elemental attacks and suchlike, and it is sounding fairly close to what it seems a lot of people want the Stabnerd to be capable of.