Foldable Brush Cutter Rod with Safety Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brush cutters with dividable operation rods suffer from reduced portability and increased management burden, as users must physically handle separate parts, and the length cannot be effectively shortened without compromising portability and storability.
Innovation Solution
A working machine with a transformable operation rod that can be folded or telescoped, featuring a drive permitter that allows motor operation only in the extended state, preventing motor activation in the non-extended state by breaking conductors, ensuring the length can be shortened without dividing the device and maintaining portability and storability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the operation rod is divided into two parts, then the length can be shortened for portability, but the user must physically handle separate parts increasing management burden
Solution Approach 1:
The operation rod is segmented into a leading end unit and a rear end unit that can be connected and disconnected. This allows the rod to be shortened for portability while maintaining ease of operation through a simple connection mechanism that reduces management burden compared to handling completely separate parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation rod employs a telescopic mechanism where one segment is inserted into another, allowing the rod to be compacted to a shorter length for portability while maintaining its full extended length for operation. This nesting approach eliminates the need to handle separate parts, improving both portability and management ease.
2Length of moving object
If the operation rod is made transformable between extended and non-extended states, then the length can be shortened, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation rod is designed with a transformable structure that can dynamically change between extended and non-extended states. This dynamic capability allows the rod to adapt its length based on operational needs while using straightforward mechanical mechanisms that minimize added structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the operation rod into modular units (leading end unit and rear end unit) with standardized connection interfaces, the transformable structure achieves length adjustment capability without excessive complexity. Each segment is relatively simple, and the connection mechanism between segments is designed to be straightforward.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the motor can operate in both extended and non-extended states, then operational flexibility is improved, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
A detection mechanism monitors the state of the operation rod (extended or non-extended) and provides feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the motor operation is automatically controlled - permitting operation only when the rod is in the extended state, and preventing operation when folded, thereby eliminating safety risks while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A drive permitter acts as an intermediary between the motor control system and the operation rod state. This intermediary component enforces the safety rule by allowing motor operation only when the rod is extended, automatically preventing motor activation in the folded state without requiring direct user intervention, thus maintaining flexibility while ensuring safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A working machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an operation rod, a leading end unit, a rear end unit, and a drive permitter. The operation rod is configured to be transformable between an extended state and a non-extended state. The leading end unit is provided at one end of the operation rod. The leading end unit comprises a motor configured to drive a working element. The rear end unit is provided at the other end of the operation rod. The rear end unit comprises a controller configured to control driving of the motor. The drive permitter is configured to permit driving of the motor when the operation rod is in the extended state and not to permit driving of the motor when the operation rod is in the non-extended state.