Dual-Trigger Power Tool Control for Secure Side Handle Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users may operate power tools without properly gripping the side handle, leading to instability and potential loss of control, as the side handle can become loose over time due to wear from user force.
Innovation Solution
A power tool system that includes a controller configured to activate the motor only when both the main trigger and auxiliary trigger are actuated, with specific time thresholds for re-engagement to ensure both triggers are engaged, and features a non-rotatable side handle design to prevent wear and ensure proper grip, using a keying feature and rotatable knob for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the side handle is mounted on the tool, then the tool provides additional stability and control, but the user may still operate the tool without properly gripping the side handle, leading to potential loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses trigger switches on both the main handle and side handle to provide feedback about user grip status. The controller monitors the state of both triggers and uses this feedback to determine whether to enable motor operation, ensuring that proper two-handed gripping is detected and rewarded with full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the trigger switches and the motor operation. It receives signals from both triggers, processes the grip status information, and mediates the motor activation based on whether both triggers are properly engaged, thereby enforcing safe operation without directly modifying the mechanical components.
2Reliability
If the side handle is made rotatable for mounting, then the handle can be securely attached, but wear from user force causes the handle to become loose over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of proper mounting by checking whether both triggers are engaged before allowing motor operation. This preliminary action prevents operation with improperly mounted handles and alerts users to resecure the handle before use, addressing the durability issue through operational control rather than mechanical modification.
3Ease of operation
If the controller allows motor operation with only one trigger engaged, then the tool is easier to operate, but the user may lose control and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements preliminary anti-action by preventing motor operation unless both triggers are engaged. This preemptive measure blocks potentially unsafe single-handed operation before it can occur, ensuring that users must maintain proper two-handed grip throughout operation to prevent unintended motor activation or continued operation after releasing the side handle.
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool is provided including a housing; an electric motor disposed within the housing; a main trigger switch mounted on the housing; a side handle mounted on the housing, the side handle having an auxiliary trigger; and a controller disposed within the housing operable to control a flow of electric current from a power source to the electric motor. The controller activates the motor only if the main trigger and the auxiliary trigger are both actuated. If the one of the triggers is released while the other trigger is still engaged, the controller is configured to continue operating the motor only if the released trigger is reengaged within a time threshold, but otherwise discontinue operating the motor until both the main trigger and the auxiliary triggers are released and reengaged.