Angle Grinder Switch Lock With Pivot-Rotate Activation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tools, such as angle grinders, require complex user actions to reduce the risk of unintentional activation, but existing solutions do not adequately prevent accidental switching on, posing a significant safety hazard.
Innovation Solution
A control switch with a pivotably mounted first switching element and a rotatably mounted second switching element, requiring distinct rotational and pivoting motions to activate the drive motor, with perpendicular orientations and defined angles to prevent accidental activation, and a return spring to ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-part control switch is used to prevent unintentional activation, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two switching elements (first and second switching elements) into a single integrated control switch assembly mounted on the housing. The first switching element is pivotably mounted while the second switching element is rotatably mounted, and they work together as a unified safety mechanism. This merging approach maintains safety functionality while reducing overall structural complexity compared to separate multi-part switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The control switch is segmented into two distinct switching elements with different motion types: the first switching element performs pivoting motion while the second switching element performs rotational motion. This segmentation allows each element to have a specialized, simple motion path, reducing the mechanical complexity of each individual component while maintaining the safety function through their combined operation.
2Reliability
If two separate user actions are required to activate the drive motor, then unintentional activation is reduced, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic motion requirements where the first switching element requires pivoting motion and the second switching element requires rotational motion. These different dynamic motions ensure that accidental activation is prevented while the sequence remains intuitive for deliberate user operation. The return spring provides dynamic reset functionality that automatically returns elements to their default positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The second switching element must first be rotated from its blocked position to its released position before the first switching element can be pivoted to activate the drive motor. This preliminary action ensures deliberate user intent while the perpendicular orientations and mechanical blocking provide natural feedback to guide the user through the correct sequence.
3Reliability
If the control switch requires complex mechanical displacement, then safety is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple dynamic motions (pivoting and rotating) rather than complex mechanical displacements. The first switching element pivots about a pivot axis while the second switching element rotates about a rotational axis. These fundamental motions are easy to manufacture and assemble, eliminating the need for complex mechanical displacement mechanisms while maintaining safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical displacement systems with simpler pivot and rotate motions. The return spring provides automatic reset functionality, eliminating the need for complex mechanical return mechanisms. This substitution simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the safety function through the sequential operation of the two switching elements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a simple and safe operation by ensuring that the drive motor can only be activated with deliberate two-handed motions, significantly reducing the risk of unintentional activation and enhancing user safety.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring which loads the second switching element in the direction of the locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool, in particular an angle grinder, having a drive motor accommodated in a housing which drives a rotor shaft, a tool spindle comprising a tool holder which is preferentially connected to the rotor shaft in a power-transmitting manner by a gearing, as well as a control switch for activating the drive motor, wherein the control switch comprises a first switching element which is pivotably mounted on the housing about a pivot axis between a first switch position for switching on the drive motor and a second switch position for switching off the drive motor, and a second switching element which is rotatable about a rotational axis between a locked position which blocks the first switching element from moving into the first switch position and a release position which enables the first switching element to move into the first switch position.