Electric Tool Interlocking Switch for Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric rotary tools with exposed magnetic sensors are prone to malfunction due to impact, leading to increased chances of the switch going out of order.
Innovation Solution
The electric tool design incorporates a housing that houses the switch unit, featuring an interlocking member and operating member that displaces between positions to control power supply to the motor, reducing impact on the switch and minimizing malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the magnetic sensor is exposed outside the grip casing for operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to impact damage
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking member is nested within the grip casing, with only its distal end exposed through the opening. This nesting arrangement allows the operating member to be accessible from outside while the sensitive magnetic sensor remains protected inside the casing, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the switch unit is exposed for direct operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to impact and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking member acts as an intermediary between the user's external operation and the protected switch unit inside the casing. It transmits the operating force through the casing wall without exposing the switch unit itself, thereby maintaining ease of operation while eliminating direct impact exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking member is nested within the grip casing structure, allowing it to be operated from outside while remaining substantially enclosed. This nesting protects the switch unit from impact and contamination while maintaining operational accessibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design effectively reduces the likelihood of the switch unit malfunctioning by shielding it from impact, ensuring reliable operation and extending the tool's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic sensor is arranged to face a magnet provided for a displaceable portion of the switch lever. The magnetic sensor is connected to an energizing circuit of an electric motor. The electric rotary tool is configured to start driving the electric motor by turning ON the energizing circuit in response to the detection of magnetism by the magnetic sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric tool includes a motor, a switch unit, a housing, an operating member, and an interlocking member. The motor rotates a tip tool. The switch unit selectively provides or cuts off supply of power to the motor. The housing houses the motor. The operating member is provided outside the housing and is displaced between a first position and a second position in response to an operation. The interlocking member is displaced between a third position and a fourth position in response to displacement of the operating member. The housing is arranged to house the switch unit. The switch unit cuts off the supply of the power to the motor when the interlocking member is located at the third position and provides the supply of the power to the motor when the interlocking member is located at the fourth position.