Dual-Actuator Interlock for Handheld Motor Trigger Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld work apparatuses face damage to actuating elements due to forced actuation when the device falls, as the first actuating element is actuated without the second actuating element being pressed, leading to potential mechanical stress and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The first actuating element acts on a transfer unit, which establishes an operative connection with the blocking device only when the second actuating element is in its actuated position, allowing independent actuation of both elements and ensuring the blocking device is enabled only when both are actuated, thus preventing unnecessary stress on the first actuating element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the first actuating element directly acts on the blocking device, then the structure is simple, but the first actuating element can be damaged when actuated forcefully without the second actuating element being pressed
Solution Approach 1:
A transfer unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the first actuating element and the blocking device. This transfer unit includes a transfer element that can be acted upon by the first actuating element, and a blocking element that interacts with the blocking device. The transfer unit mediates the force transmission, preventing direct forceful actuation of the blocking device by the first actuating element alone, thus protecting against damage while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If both actuating elements must be pressed to operate the operator-controlled element, then operational safety is improved, but the actuation mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer unit serves as a mediator that translates the actuation of the first actuating element into a state that can only fully enable the operator-controlled element when both actuating elements are pressed. The transfer element and blocking element work together to create a mechanical interlocking system that ensures dual actuation requirement without requiring complex control circuits or additional mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the first actuating element controls the transfer unit, the second actuating element controls the blocking device directly, and their combined action is required to enable the operator-controlled element. This segmentation allows each component to have a simple, dedicated function while achieving the safety requirement through their coordinated interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
A first actuating element acts on a blocking device for an operator-controlled element for controlling the drive motor. In an enabled position of the blocking device, the operator-controlled element is enabled to control the drive motor. In a blocking position the blocking device mechanically blocks any actuation of the operator-controlled element. The first element acts on the blocking device via a transfer unit. In an actuated position of a second actuating element, the transfer unit establishes an operative connection between the first element and the blocking device, such that the blocking device is in the enabled position in the actuated position of the first element and is in the blocking position in the non-actuated position of the first element. In the non-actuated position of the second actuating element, the transfer unit is ineffective so that the blocking device is in the blocking position regardless of the first element's position.