Handle-Integrated Dead Man Switch for Floor Cleaning Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor cleaning machines lack a simple and cost-effective dead man's switching mechanism that is easy to operate and manufacture, which is crucial for ensuring safe and intentional machine operation.
Innovation Solution
A dead man's switching device is integrated into the handle unit of the floor cleaning machine, where the actuating unit is held via a first area with a pivoting second area connected via a hinge device, and a restoring spring device is used to require active effort for switching, ensuring the device is only activated when intentionally operated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dead man's switching device is integrated into the handle unit, then safety and intentional operation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dead man's switching device is merged with the handle unit by integrating the actuating unit directly into the handle structure. The actuating unit comprises a first area and a second area that pivot relative to each other, forming a unified ergonomic grip structure that combines handling and safety functions into a single component assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle unit serves multiple functions: it provides the gripping structure for operator control, integrates the dead man's switching mechanism for safety, and incorporates the restoring spring device for automatic reset. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate safety switches and mounting structures.
2Reliability
If the actuating unit requires active effort to switch, then unintentional activation is prevented, but ease of operation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating unit is designed with dynamic characteristics through the pivotable connection between the first and second areas. The restoring spring device provides a dynamic force that automatically returns the actuating unit to its initial position after activation, creating a natural give-and-take motion that requires minimal effort from the operator while ensuring intentional activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring force of the restoring spring device is carefully calibrated to provide sufficient resistance to prevent unintentional activation while remaining low enough to allow easy intentional operation. This parameter optimization balances safety requirements with operational ease.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the second area is free of reinforcing ribs, then pivotability is improved, but mechanical rigidity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating unit exhibits local quality differentiation: the first area contains reinforcing ribs for structural strength and mounting stability, while the second area remains free of reinforcing ribs to maintain flexibility and pivotability. This localized structural variation optimizes each region for its specific functional requirements.
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
This design enhances the mechanical rigidity and ergonomics of the handle unit, allowing for easy and safe operation while preventing unintentional machine activation, as the actuating unit must be actively pressed into a switching position to release the necessary signals for machine operation.
Implementation Method 1
the actuating unit is assigned a restoring spring device, wherein a spring force of the restoring device is overcome for a switching position of the actuating unit
Data Source
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AI summary
Proposed is a floor cleaning machine (10) which comprises a handle unit (36) for operating the floor cleaning machine (10) and a dead man's switch (40) that has an actuation unit (66), said actuation unit (66) being retained on said handle unit (36) via a first region (68), the actuation unit (66) having a second region (72) which is pivotable relative to the first region (68), and the second region (72) being retained on the first region (68) as a single piece via a hinge device (74), and a pivot position of the second region (72) relative to the first region (68) determining whether the dead man's switch (40) is operating or not operating.