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 due to worn-out threads causing the side handle to become loose over time.

Innovation Solution

The power tool is designed with a keying feature that prevents rotation of the side handle relative to the tool, and an auxiliary trigger mechanism that requires both the main and auxiliary triggers to be actuated and maintained within specific time thresholds for the motor to operate, ensuring the side handle is securely gripped and used during operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a side handle is mounted on the power tool, then user stability and control are improved, but users may still operate the tool without properly gripping the side handle, leading to potential loss of control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool control stabilityVSAvoidoperation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical side handle attachment system with an electronic control system that uses sensors to detect trigger actuation and a controller to manage motor operation based on dual-trigger conditions, thereby ensuring proper gripping without mechanical constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through sensors that detect the actuation state of both the main trigger and auxiliary trigger, providing real-time information to the controller which adjusts motor operation accordingly, ensuring the side handle is properly gripped during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If an auxiliary trigger mechanism is added to require both triggers to be actuated, then safety and proper gripping are ensured, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe operationVSAvoidtrigger mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary trigger mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as a safety interlock to ensure proper gripping, provides a mechanical reference point for the sensor, and integrates with the existing main trigger to control motor operation, thereby achieving enhanced safety without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12194611B2Power tool dual-trigger operation

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 BLACK & DECKER CORP

AI summary

A power tool is provided including a housing, an electric motor, a main trigger switch, a side handle having an auxiliary trigger, and a controller operable to control a flow of electric current from a power source to the electric motor. In an embodiment, the controller the motor at start-up only if the main trigger is actuated within a time threshold after the auxiliary trigger is actuated, and otherwise prevent motor operation until both the main trigger and the auxiliary triggers are released and reengaged. In an embodiment, the controller applies a regenerative brake to stop an operation of the electric motor if one of the main trigger or the auxiliary trigger is released while the electric motor is in operation.