Electric Tool Switch Layout for Compact Wiring and Ergonomic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric tools face challenges with large motor wire and switch structure occupancy, leading to space limitations and wear issues, as well as inconvenient holding due to the switch being integrated into the user-holding portion.
Innovation Solution
The electric tool design separates the motor wire and signal switch, allowing for a smaller volume switch control mechanism, with the signal switch positioned in a housing portion optimized for user comfort and reduced friction, and incorporating a reversing piece to alter the operating direction for improved operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the motor wire and switch structure are integrated in the conventional manner, then the switch can control the motor, but the space occupancy is large and causes local limitations in the machine body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the switch structure into separate modular components: a button assembly, a sliding component, and a circuit board with distinct functional areas. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces the overall space required while maintaining full control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the thickness dimension of the housing by positioning the circuit board in a different spatial plane from the button and sliding component. The motor wire passes through a channel in the circuit board rather than occupying lateral space, effectively using the Z-dimension to reduce the footprint in the X-Y plane.
2Ease of operation
If the operating component rubs with the motor wires during switch operation, then the switch can be actuated, but the motor wire experiences wear and potential leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motor wire from the operational path of the sliding component. The wire is routed through a dedicated channel in the circuit board that is spatially separated from the rubbing interface between the operating component and housing, eliminating wear while preserving switch actuation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board channel acts as an intermediary structure that guides the motor wire through a safe path. This intermediary element protects the wire from direct contact with moving components while still allowing electrical connectivity to be maintained during switch operation.
3Ease of operation
If the switch is disposed in the holding portion to enable convenient control, then the switch is easily accessible, but the holding portion size increases making it inconvenient to hold
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the switch components in different dimensional zones: the button is accessible on the outer surface while the main switch mechanism is positioned in the transition region between housing portions. This multi-level arrangement maintains ease of access without expanding the primary holding area, allowing users to operate the switch with minimal impact on grip comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric tool includes a body housing, a motor, a signal switch, and an operating component. The body housing includes a first housing portion, a second housing portion, and a third housing portion which are arranged sequentially from front to back. The motor is supported in the first housing portion and includes a motor shaft rotatable around a rotation axis. The signal switch includes a trigger portion capable of being triggered to control start-up or interruption of the motor. The operating component is disposed on the body housing, and the operating component is configured to move on the body housing to turn on or off the signal switch. A moving direction of the trigger portion is substantially perpendicular to an operating direction of the operating component.