Foot Switch Adaptor for Battery Hand Tool Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered hand tools require manual operation of a trigger-style switch for ON/OFF control, which can be inconvenient during difficult manipulations, necessitating an alternative means for switching the tool ON or OFF without using the trigger switch.
Innovation Solution
An adaptor assembly is introduced that includes a foot-operable ON/OFF switch, allowing users to control the hand tool's power supply by connecting it between the tool and the battery pack, enabling foot-operated switching without needing to manipulate the trigger switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a trigger-style ON/OFF switch is used for manual operation, then the tool can be controlled by hand, but it becomes inconvenient during difficult manipulations requiring alternative switching means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a foot-operated switch as an intermediary control device that allows the user to operate the tool with their foot instead of hand. This mediator enables alternative control methods for situations where manual trigger operation is difficult or impractical, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of switching and adaptability.
2Productivity
If the trigger switch is held in constant ON position for continuous operation, then manual switching is eliminated, but the user loses the ability to quickly turn off the tool
Solution Approach 1:
The foot-operated switch serves as a mediator that maintains continuous power flow while providing an alternative control interface. By placing the switch control in the user's foot rather than hand, the system enables continuous operation through the adaptor while preserving quick shutdown capability through foot movement, resolving the contradiction between productivity and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a foot-operated switch is added to provide alternative control, then switching versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foot-operated switch is implemented as a separate adaptor assembly that interfaces between the tool and battery pack. This modular intermediary approach adds switching versatility without significantly complicating the core tool structure, as the foot switch functionality is contained within a standalone adaptor unit that can be attached or removed as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptor assembly for use with a battery-operated hand tool which includes a battery pack-accepting portion to which a battery pack can be connected utilizes an adaptor having a body which is positionable between the battery pack-accepting portion of the hand tool and the battery pack so that electrical current which is intended to flow between the battery pack and the hand tool during tool operation passes through the adaptor. A foot-operable ON/OFF switch is connected to the adaptor so that operation of the foot-operable switch selectively permits or shuts off the flow of electrical current between the battery pack and the hand tool so that when the adaptor is positioned between the battery pack-accepting portion of the hand tool and the battery pack, the ON/OFF operation of the hand tool can be controlled by way of the foot-operable ON/OFF switch.