Angled Throttle Lever for Ergonomic Hand Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld power tools, such as sanders, require operators to arch their wrists and maintain uncomfortable hand positions, leading to chronic injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome due to the design of throttle levers that separate the throttle switch from the hand-support, causing stress on the wrist, hand, and arm.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece, elongated, angled throttle-switch-hand-support lever that integrates hand support and throttle control, extending over air-inlet and exhaust outlets to protect the operator's hand and reduce the need for lifting the hand off the switch, allowing control through a rocking motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the throttle lever is positioned on top of the housing and the operator presses downward on it, then the throttle switch can be actuated effectively, but the operator must arch the wrist out of the way of the air hose, causing stress on the wrist and arm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hand support surface and throttle lever into a single integrated component. The hand support surface is positioned to support the operator's wrist and hand, while the throttle lever extends from this support surface, allowing the operator to rest their hand on the support while actuating the throttle, thereby eliminating the need to arch the wrist and reducing stress on the wrist and arm.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated hand support surface serves multiple functions: it provides ergonomic support for the operator's wrist and hand, and simultaneously serves as the mounting structure for the throttle lever. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components and resolves the spatial conflict between the air hose and the operator's wrist position.
2Ease of operation
If the throttle switch is positioned under the hand support, then the hand support can be positioned lower, but the operator's hand must be cupped to hold the switch while maneuvering the tool, creating stress on the hand, wrist, and arm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hand support surface and throttle lever into one continuous structure. The hand support surface provides a platform for the operator's hand and wrist, while the throttle lever extends forward from this support, allowing the operator to rest their hand on the support surface while using the thumb or fingers to actuate the throttle, eliminating the need to cup the hand and reducing stress on the hand, wrist, and arm.
3Ease of manufacture
If the throttle lever is separate from the hand support, then each component can be optimized independently, but the operator must lift the hand off the support to control the throttle, reducing control and increasing muscle stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hand support surface and throttle lever into a single integrated component that is attached to the tool housing. This integration allows the operator to maintain continuous contact with the tool - the hand rests on the hand support surface while the thumb or fingers actuate the throttle lever, providing constant control without the need to lift the hand off the support, thereby reducing muscle stress and improving control.
4Productivity
If the exhaust outlet is positioned below the switch, then the exhaust duct can be designed for optimal airflow, but the duct cannot be used to support the wrist or forearm even if the shape was more suitable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the throttle lever with the hand support surface and positions this integrated component above the exhaust outlet. The hand support surface extends forward to provide a platform for the operator's hand and wrist, while the throttle lever extends further forward from this support. This positioning allows the exhaust outlet to remain below the switch for optimal airflow, while the hand support surface (separate from the exhaust duct) provides the necessary wrist support functionality.
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 7~14
AI summary
A lever longer than wide and bent across its length producing an angle of <180° between an upper surface of a longer first and a shorter second lever end to control the throttle switch of a hand-held tool by hand-rocking the lever about its vertex to exert pressure on or release pressure from the switch, the lever designed to support a user's fingers and palm while using the tool. Attachment tabs extend downwards from opposing sides of the first end adjacent the vertex, each tab having an aperture for accepting an attachment pin so to pivotally engage the lever within pin receiving apertures of the tool to rotate the lever both toward and away from the actuator switch, the second end extending over an exhaust-outlet or air-intake of the hand-held power tool to protect the user's hand from coming into contact with the tool's exhaust-outlet or air-intake.