Inclined Handle Switch Panel for Tilted Electric Work Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric work equipment, such as brush cutters, lacks improved operability and visibility when the operator is working while tilting the equipment, particularly in situations where the work tool is not oriented vertically.
Innovation Solution
The switch panel is designed to be inclined downward from one side to the other, with the power switch and LED light positioned to enhance visibility and operability when the equipment is tilted, allowing the operator to easily grasp the switch position and status without overlapping with the trigger lever.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the switch panel is positioned horizontally on the handle, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the operability and visibility deteriorate when the equipment is tilted during work
Solution Approach 1:
The switch panel is designed with an asymmetric inclined structure rather than a symmetric horizontal placement. The panel is inclined downward from the right side to the left side at a specific angle, creating an asymmetric configuration that adapts to the tilted working posture of the operator, thereby improving operability and visibility without excessive structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The switch panel transitions from a two-dimensional horizontal surface to a three-dimensional inclined surface. By introducing an angular dimension (inclination angle), the panel orientation adapts to the tilted working condition, allowing the operator to access the power switch and view the LED indicator more easily when the equipment is tilted
2Loss of information
If the switch panel is positioned horizontally on the handle, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the visibility of the power switch and LED light deteriorates when working in tilted positions
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric inclination of the switch panel ensures that the power switch and LED light are positioned at optimal angles for visibility during tilted work. The right side is higher and the left side is lower, creating an asymmetric layout that maintains visual access to indicators and switch elements regardless of the equipment's tilted orientation
Solution Approach 2:
By adding the angular dimension through inclination, the switch panel creates a three-dimensional configuration that maintains visibility of the power switch and LED light. The inclined surface ensures that these elements remain within the operator's visual field even when the equipment is tilted, preventing information loss
3Ease of operation
If the switch panel is inclined downward from right to left, then the operability improves when tilting the equipment, but the switch panel structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric inclination design improves operability by matching the natural tilted working posture, but it does increase manufacturing complexity compared to a horizontal panel. The asymmetric angle requires precise positioning during assembly to ensure the power switch and LED are at the correct heights and angles for optimal operability
Solution Approach 2:
The inclination angle is optimized to balance operability improvement with manufacturing feasibility. By selecting a specific angle range, the design achieves significant operability enhancement while keeping the structural complexity within acceptable manufacturing limits
Data Source
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AI summary
Electric work equipment includes a body case, a work tool formed to protrude forward from a front portion of the body case, a motor housed in the body case and configured to drive the work tool, a battery removably disposed in the body case and configured to supply power to the motor, a handle protruding from the body case and configured to be gripped, a trigger lever disposed on a lower surface of the handle and configured such that power is supplied from the battery to the motor when pulled, and a switch panel disposed on an upper surface of the handle and including a power switch, the power switch being configured to make the motor operable when turned on and to stop operation of the motor when turned off, and is inclined downward from a right to left side thereof or from the left to right side thereof.