Front Handle Coolant Valve Layout for Ergonomic Power Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coolant valves in power tools, such as cut-off grinders, are ergonomically disadvantageous, difficult to access, and susceptible to damage, posing risks to users during operation.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a regulating unit with a valve on the front handle of the power tool, providing easy access and protection against impacts, with a tongue-and-groove connection and snap-hook fastening for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the valve is attached directly to the water connection of the power tool, then the valve is compactly integrated, but the valve becomes difficult to access and operate ergonomically
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is relocated from the conventional water connection location to the front handle area of the power tool. This spatial repositioning in a different dimension of the tool structure provides both compact integration and improved accessibility, allowing users to operate the valve while maintaining a secure two-handed grip on the tool.
2Ease of operation
If the valve is attached externally to the circumferential handle, then the valve is accessible to the user, but the valve is exposed and susceptible to damage during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is nested within or integrated into the front handle structure of the power tool. This nesting approach allows the valve to be protected by the handle structure while remaining accessible for operation, effectively combining protection with usability.
3Ease of operation
If the user must leave the holding position to operate the valve, then the valve can be accessed, but the user cannot maintain stable two-handed control of the tool
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is positioned on the front handle at a location that is ergonomically accessible while the user maintains the standard two-handed holding position. This creates an equipotential state where both tool control and valve operation can occur simultaneously without compromising safety or stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool having at least one front handle and a tool, wherein the tool can be cooled with a cooling liquid during the operation of the power tool. The power tool has a regulating unit for providing the cooling liquid, wherein the regulating unit has a valve for setting a quantity of cooling liquid and is integrated on the front handle.