Interlock Mechanism Downsizing in Electric Power Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld electric power tools, such as hedge trimmers, have interlock mechanisms that are not optimized for downsizing, leading to larger tool sizes and potential user discomfort due to inefficient design.
Innovation Solution
The interlock mechanism is downsized by configuring the drive manipulation member with a first portion extending in one direction and a second portion with a switch operation and interlock engaging portion, allowing for a shorter distance between the axis and interlock member, enabling larger operation movement and reduced tool size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the interlock mechanism uses a conventional design with separate components for drive manipulation and lock manipulation, then the mechanism can reliably control tool operation, but the overall size of the tool becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive manipulation member and lock manipulation member into a single integrated manipulation member. This member can simultaneously perform both drive manipulation (moving between stop and drive positions) and lock manipulation (moving between locked and unlocked positions), thereby reducing the overall number of components and the volume occupied by the interlock mechanism while maintaining reliable control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The single manipulation member is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the drive manipulation member and the lock manipulation member. By making this component universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function,ไป่ reducing tool size while preserving the ability to reliably control both drive and lock operations
2Volume of moving object
If the interlock mechanism is downsized, then the tool becomes more compact and easier to handle, but the complexity of the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulation member is segmented into distinct functional portions: a drive manipulation portion for controlling the drive position and a lock manipulation portion for controlling the lock position. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while being integrated into a compact single-component structure, reducing overall size without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the lock manipulation portion is positioned within or adjacent to the drive manipulation portion on the same manipulation member. This nested configuration allows the interlock mechanism to be compactly arranged, reducing the volume occupied by the mechanism while maintaining clear functional separation and operational simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A drive manipulation member is configured to be allowed to move to a drive position when an interlock member is at a first position and to be prohibited from moving to the drive position when the interlock member is at a second position. The drive manipulation member is supported rotatably about an axis with respect to the second housing, and is provided with first and second portions extending from the axis in different directions. The first portion is configured to be manipulated by the user. The second portion is provided with a switch operation portion configured to operate a switching unit and an interlock engaging portion configured to engage with or contact with the interlock member. The switch operation portion and the interlock engaging portion are located at different positions from each other in a direction parallel to the axis.