Handheld Cutter Lock-Trigger Mechanism for Safer One-Step Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handheld driving apparatuses, such as brush cutters and chain saws, have complex operation mechanisms requiring simultaneous operation of a lockout lever and a button to turn on power, which complicates safe and efficient use.

Innovation Solution

A handheld driving apparatus with a lock member, trigger lever, and holding member that moves between restricted and released positions, allowing for improved operability by simplifying the operation process, where the lock member is pressed to transition from a restricted state to a released state, enabling the trigger lever to drive the apparatus safely and efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a lockout lever and a button are operated simultaneously to turn on power, then safety is improved, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the lockout lever and button into a single integrated lock member with a pressing portion and lever portion. This merging eliminates the need for simultaneous operation of separate components while maintaining safety through the interlocked mechanical design that requires deliberate action to activate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock member serves multiple functions: it acts as both the lockout mechanism and the power activation switch. By integrating these functions into a single component, the patent reduces operational steps while ensuring safety through its dual-action release mechanism requiring coordination between the pressing portion and lever portion.

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

2Reliability

If multiple components are used for lockout mechanism, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple safety functions into a single lock member component that combines the pressing portion and lever portion. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining safety through the interlocked mechanism that requires coordinated operation of the integrated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock member is segmented into functional portions (pressing portion and lever portion) that work together as an integrated unit. This segmentation allows each portion to have a specific function while maintaining overall simplicity of the mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4042855B1Driving apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 YAMABIKO CORP
  • EP4042855B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4042855B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4042855B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a handheld driving apparatus for mowing or cutting an object. The driving apparatus comprises: a container, a lock member, a trigger lever, and an action unit. The container is configured to extend from a rear side where a user is located toward a front side where the object is located. The lock member is configured to move between a first position and a second position, a straight line connecting the first position and the second position extending in a direction in which the container extends or in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the container extends. The trigger lever is configured to move between a third position and a fourth position, to be restricted from moving to the fourth position when the lock member is at the first position, and not to be restricted from moving to the fourth position when the lock member is at the second position. The action unit is provided on the front side of the container, and is configured to drive in such a manner that a mechanical action for mowing or cutting the object can be applied to the object when the trigger lever is at the fourth position.