Electric Auger Safety Mechanism for Kickback Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hand-operated digging apparatuses lack safety mechanisms to prevent kickback, which can occur when operating in difficult ground conditions, posing a risk of injury to operators due to uncontrollable rotation and torque issues not customized to individual operator strength.
Innovation Solution
An electric powered digging apparatus with a first safety mechanism that reduces torque when the powerhead spins beyond a threshold angle and a second safety mechanism that reduces torque when the angular speed exceeds a threshold, featuring a braking lever and rotation sensor to minimize kickback risks, along with customizable safety settings for individual operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the maximum torque of the digging apparatus is increased to improve digging power, then the digging capability is improved, but the risk of kickback and operator injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system using sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, rotation sensor) to continuously monitor the operational state of the digging apparatus. When kickback is detected through abnormal acceleration, rotation angle, or angular velocity measurements, the system automatically reduces motor torque output to prevent operator injury while maintaining safe digging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the torque output dynamic rather than fixed by implementing real-time adjustment based on operational conditions. The motor controller dynamically modifies torque levels according to sensor feedback, allowing the system to operate at high power during normal digging while automatically reducing power when kickback conditions are detected, thus resolving the contradiction between high digging power and kickback prevention.
2Reliability
If a safety mechanism is added to prevent kickback, then operator safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical safety mechanisms with electronic sensing and control systems. Instead of using mechanical brakes, clutches, or linkages to detect and respond to kickback, the system uses accelerometers, gyroscopes, and rotation sensors combined with electronic torque control to achieve the same safety function with fewer moving parts and reduced mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety system is designed to be self-regulating and automatic, requiring no manual intervention from the operator. The sensors continuously monitor operational parameters and the controller automatically adjusts torque output in response to detected kickback conditions, making the safety mechanism operate autonomously without adding operational complexity for the user.
3Ease of manufacture
If the digging apparatus uses fixed maximum torque for all operators, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different operator strengths decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic torque adjustment that adapts to different operator strengths and conditions in real-time. Rather than manufacturing different torque settings for different operators, the system uses sensors and electronic control to dynamically modify torque output based on actual operational needs and operator performance, providing customization without requiring multiple manufacturing variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters (torque levels) based on detected conditions and operator needs. The system can adjust torque magnitude, rate of change, and response thresholds to match different operator strengths and digging conditions, providing adaptability through parameter modification rather than hardware variation, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided herein is an electric powered digging apparatus comprising: a powerhead, the power head comprises a motor and a gearbox; a handle frame, the powerhead is mounted onto the handle frame; and a drill bit, the drill bit is driven by the motor to rotate around a longitudinal axis, the electric power digging apparatus further comprises: a first safety mechanism, wherein the first safety mechanism reduces torque output to the drill bit when the powerhead spins around the longitudinal axis for an angle larger than a first threshold, and a second safety mechanism, wherein the second safety mechanism reduces torque output to the drill bit when the powerhead spins around the longitudinal drive axis at an angular speed larger than a second threshold