Dual-Handle Actuation for Rod-Mounted Machine Tool Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuating devices for machine tools lack intuitive and safe operation, often leading to accidental activation of functions and inadequate user safety during stowage or transport.
Innovation Solution
An actuating device with multiple movement paths for different functions, including rotational and linear movements, designed to be operated by two hands, featuring a base unit, handle units, and a switching unit with electronic control, ensuring intuitive operation and enhanced safety through mechanical and electronic guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single handle unit with simple actuation is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of intuitive control and increased risk of accidental activation
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating device is segmented into two separate handle units (first handle unit and second handle unit) with distinct actuating elements. Each handle unit controls specific functions through different movement paths, providing intuitive and separate control mechanisms that reduce accidental activation while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Ease of operation
If multiple actuating elements are added to control different functions, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each handle unit is designed with multi-functionality to control multiple machine tool functions. The first handle unit controls functions through rotational movement, while the second handle unit controls different functions through linear movement. This universal design allows comprehensive control without proportionally increasing the number of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces different movement dimensions for different handle units - rotational movement for the first handle unit and linear movement for the second handle unit. This dimensional differentiation allows multiple functions to be controlled through distinct actuation paths, improving operational precision while managing complexity through spatial organization.
3Productivity
If the actuating element can be easily moved for quick operation, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased risk of accidental activation
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating device is divided into two independent handle units that must be operated separately. This segmentation ensures that accidental activation of one handle does not trigger unintended functions, as each handle controls distinct operations. The separate control mechanisms maintain quick operation capability while enhancing reliability through independent control paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching unit acts as an intermediary between the handle units and the machine tool functions. It receives actuation signals from either handle unit and processes them through defined movement paths, ensuring that only intentional and properly directed actuation results in function activation. This intermediary mechanism prevents accidental activation while maintaining operational speed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an actuating device for a machine tool (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d), in particular a pole pruner, comprising at least one, in particular at least partially designed as a housing (24a; 24d), at least substantially rod-shaped basic unit (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d), with at least two, in particular at least substantially coaxially arranged and spaced apart from one another, hand grip units (26a, 28a; 26d, 28d), each designed to be gripped at least largely by at least one hand of a user, wherein the two hand grip units (26a, 28a; 26d, 28d) are each arranged on the basic unit (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d) or are at least partially formed as part of the basic unit (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d). are, and with at least one switching unit (30a; 30b; 30c; 30d) to a control of at least one function of the machine tool (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d).It is proposed that at least one handle unit (26a; 26d) of the two handle units (26a, 28a; 26d, 28d) is designed as an actuating element (34a; 34d) of the switching unit (30a; 30b; 30c; 30d), in particular in a tube-like manner, enclosing the basic unit (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d), which is movably mounted relative to the basic unit (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d) and/or relative to another handle unit (28a; 28d) of the two handle units (26a, 28a; 26d, 28d) along at least two different movement paths (38a, 40a; 38b, 40b; 38c, 40c; 38d, 40d), wherein at least a motion path (38a; 38b; 38c; 38d) of a rotational movement, in particular about a longitudinal axis (42a; 42b; 42c; 42d) of the basic unit (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d) and/or about a longitudinal axis (44a; 44d) of the actuating element (34a; 34d).