Gear-Mounted Retaining Element for Switch Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cordless handheld power tools with switch devices face issues of unwanted motion and complex assembly due to the design of user-control switch elements and retaining elements, leading to increased component count, weight, and costs.
Innovation Solution
Securing the retaining element directly to a gear element, such as a gear wheel, within the gear unit, using securing elements like screws or detent connections, to stabilize and guide the user-control switch element between switch positions, reducing unwanted motion and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the retaining element is secured to the user-control switch element by means of a welded connection, then the connection is strong and stable, but the assembly process becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welded connection (thermal/mechanical process) with a detent element mechanism (mechanical interlocking system). The detent element engages with corresponding features on the retaining element and switch element to provide secure retention without requiring welding, thereby maintaining connection strength while simplifying assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent element acts as an intermediary component between the retaining element and the user-control switch element. This mediator provides the securing function that previously required direct welding, allowing for easier assembly and disassembly while maintaining the necessary mechanical strength through the detent engagement mechanism.
2Reliability
If additional securing components are added to secure the retaining element, then the stability and reliability improve, but the component count, weight, and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The detent element serves both as a retaining mechanism and as a positioning feature. The retaining element itself is designed with integrated features that provide both structural support and switching guidance, eliminating the need for separate securing components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent element is designed to perform multiple functions: it secures the retaining element to the switch element, provides mechanical retention, and guides the switching motion. This multi-functional design reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing component count and weight while maintaining or improving reliability through the versatility of the detent mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is based on a handheld power tool, in particular a cordless handheld power tool, having a gear unit and having a switch device for switching the gear unit. The switch device is provided with at least one user-control switch element, and at least one retaining element that is provided for acting on the user-control switch element in at least one position of the user-control switch element, with a force in the direction of at least one switch position, or for keeping the user-control switch element in at least one switch position. According to the invention, the retaining element is secured to a gear element of the gear unit.