Garden Tool Control Device Using Gesture Recognition for Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garden tool operating devices lack effective measures to prevent unintentional startup of the drive unit and ensure operator safety, while also providing intuitive and secure operation.
Innovation Solution
The garden tool operating device incorporates an electronic unit with touch-sensitive control elements and a sensor unit that evaluates operator movements and gestures to securely activate or deactivate the drive unit, featuring a locking switching function and dead man's switching function, which can be automatically selected based on operator parameters and communication with external units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical operating elements are used, then the device structure is simple, but unintentional startup cannot be prevented and operator safety is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical operating elements with electronic operating elements that detect touch or gestures. The electronic unit evaluates these inputs and controls the drive unit accordingly, preventing unintentional startup while maintaining operational simplicity through intelligent control rather than complex mechanical interlocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic unit continuously monitors the state of operating elements and provides feedback control to the drive unit. This feedback mechanism ensures that the drive unit only operates when intentional input is detected, enhancing operator safety without requiring additional mechanical complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple operating elements are added to prevent unintentional startup, then operator safety improves, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic operating elements serve multiple functions: they detect user input, evaluate intent through gesture recognition, and control the drive unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanical safety mechanisms, maintaining ease of operation while preventing unintentional startup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameters from simple mechanical contact to touch-sensitive or gesture-based detection. By evaluating the nature of the touch (e.g., gesture type, pressure, duration), the system distinguishes between intentional and unintentional activation, maintaining operational simplicity while enhancing safety.
3Measurement precision
If electronic operating elements with gesture recognition are used, then operator safety and control precision improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operating elements and control electronics into an integrated unit. The electronic operating elements directly interface with the electronic unit, which processes gestures and controls the drive unit. This integration reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate mechanical and electronic systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a garden equipment control device with at least one control unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d) comprising at least one control element (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d) operable by an operator and at least one further control element (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d) operable by an operator, and with at least one electronic unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d) which is at least designed to switch at least one power supply to a drive unit (20a; 20c; 20d) at least depending on the actuation of the control element (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d) and the further control element (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d), wherein the control element (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d) and/or the further control element(s) (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d) are designed as electronic control element(s).It is proposed that the electronic unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d) is designed at least to switch the power supply of the drive unit (20a; 20c; 20d) at least as a function of an actuation parameter designed as an actuation sequence of the control element (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d) and/or the further control element (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d).