Conductive Grip Protection for Static Discharge in Handheld Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing working machines with conductive protection members can cause electrification of a user's hand due to static electricity accumulation, leading to potential electric discharges.

Innovation Solution

The working machine incorporates a conductive protection member with a contact portion that is in contact with an insulating sensor case, allowing for controlled electric discharge to the user's hand without direct electrical connection to the control unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the protection member is constituted of a conductive material and electrically connected to the control unit, then static electricity can be discharged, but the user's hand may become electrically connected to the control unit causing electrification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestatic electricity dischargeVSAvoiduser electrification
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an insulating member as an intermediary between the conductive protection member and the control unit. This insulating member allows the protection member to maintain its static electricity discharge function while physically and electrically isolating it from the control unit, preventing user electrification. The insulating member acts as a mediator that separates the two components that should not be directly connected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the electrical connection path by introducing a distinct insulating component. The protection member, insulating member, and control unit are separated into distinct functional segments. This segmentation allows the conductive protection member to discharge static electricity while the insulating member blocks the electrical path to the control unit, solving the contradiction through structural division.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a conductive ring is used to collect static electricity in the air flow passage, then static electricity can be collected, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestatic electricity collectionVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the air flow passage serve multiple functions: it not only guides air flow but also acts as a static electricity collection path. By making the air flow passage itself conductive or by having conductive elements integrated into it, the structure collects static electricity without requiring separate dedicated collection components, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining effectiveness.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the static electricity collection function with the existing air flow passage structure. Instead of adding a separate conductive ring or collection device, the design integrates static electricity collection capabilities into the air flow passage itself, combining two functions into one structure and thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration prevents electrification of the user's hand and suppresses electric discharges caused by static electricity, ensuring safe operation while allowing for stable electric discharge properties.

Implementation Method 1

the protection member is constituted of a conductive material... electric charge moves promptly to the user's hand through the protection member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a sensor case that holds the conductive component and is constituted of an insulating material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 3

electric discharge will happen between the conductive component of the detection sensor and the contact portion of the protection member, and electric charge will be transferred from the protection member to the user's hand

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Data Source

PatentUS20250120349A1Working machine
Publication Date: 2025.04.17 MAKITA CORP
  • US20250120349A1 patent drawing
  • US20250120349A1 patent drawing
  • US20250120349A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A working machine may include: a gripping member configured to be gripped by a user with one hand; a protection member that covers a surface of the gripping member at least partially and is constituted of a conductive material; an operation member configured to be operated by the user with the one hand; a detection sensor configured to detect an operation on the operation member; and a control unit. The protection member may include a contact portion received inside the gripping member. The detection sensor may include: a conductive component electrically connected to the control unit; and a sensor case that holds the conductive component and is constituted of an insulating material. The contact portion may be in contact with the sensor case.