Interlock Mechanism for Angle Grinder Handle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand-held power tools, such as angle grinders, face challenges in providing secure handle positioning without increasing manufacturing costs, as existing solutions like clamping devices are costly to produce and may not adequately prevent accidental tool actuation during use.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held power tool design featuring a rotatable handle with a manually actuated latch and interlock mechanism, where the interlock mechanism cooperates with the trigger to lock the handle in multiple positions, using a pivoted interlock lever and torsion spring to ensure secure positioning and prevent accidental actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamping device is used to improve handle security, then the reliability of handle positioning is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent parts: a latch mechanism for basic positioning and an interlock mechanism for security. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be simpler and cheaper while collectively providing high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock mechanism is combined with the trigger mechanism, so that the same trigger operation simultaneously activates the motor and engages the interlock. This merging eliminates the need for separate actuation mechanisms, reducing cost while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable handle with multiple positions is provided to accommodate different operating orientations, then the adaptability of the tool is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to lock the handle in multiple positions, the invention uses a simple latch that works in reverse: the handle naturally wants to rotate, and the latch simply prevents it from rotating when locked. The spring-loaded latch uses the handle's own movement to engage and disengage locking positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is spring-loaded and automatically engages with the locking positions on the motor housing when the handle is rotated into place. The system uses its own movement and the spring force to automatically lock, without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms.
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 design enhances security and operational efficiency by preventing accidental handle rotation during tool use, while maintaining a simple and cost-effective construction, ensuring the handle is securely fixed in multiple positions without additional costly components.
Implementation Method 1
an interlock mechanism having a locking and an unlocking position, the interlock mechanism cooperating with the trigger such that with the trigger in the extended position the interlock mechanism is in the unlocking position and moving the trigger to the retracted position engages the trigger with the interlock mechanism and moves the interlock mechanism to the locking position for fixing the handle in the at least two different rotational positions
Data Source
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AI summary
In an angle-grinder with a rotating handle and a latch for fixing the handle in two different rotational positions, an interlock mechanism is provided for greater security against unwanted rotation of the handle when the tool is being used. The interlock mechanism is moved to a locking position by depressing the trigger to start the motor, and thus provides a safety lock backing up the latch, in case the latch is accidentally released during use. In its unlocking position the interlock mechanism may prevent actuation of the trigger when the handle is not properly aligned in one of its operating positions.