Dual-Trigger Interlocking Handle for Powered Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Powered tools are often heavy and challenging to handle, and operating them in hazardous environments, such as underwater or at high voltages, poses risks to workers, necessitating ergonomic design and remote control capabilities to ensure safety.
Innovation Solution
The tool features an inclined handle for comfortable grip reduction, a rotatable stand for orientation control, and a dual-button interlocking mechanism with a toggle switch for safe operation, along with remote control capabilities via a wireless communication system to prevent accidental triggering and allow safe distance operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the tool is designed with powerful actuation systems for cutting and crimping operations, then the tool's functional capability is improved, but the tool's weight increases making it challenging to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into distinct functional modules including a housing, an inclined handle assembly, and an actuation system. The inclined handle (104) is separable from the main housing (102), allowing the heavy actuation components to be concentrated in the housing while the handle provides ergonomic control. This segmentation enables the powerful actuation system to be contained in a compact housing rather than distributed throughout the entire tool length.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tool is operated in hazardous environments such as underwater or at high voltages, then the tool's versatility is improved, but the operator's safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote control device (702) as an intermediary between the operator and the tool. The remote control communicates wirelessly with the tool's controller, allowing the operator to control the tool from a safe distance. This intermediary enables operation in hazardous environments (underwater, high voltage areas) without exposing the operator to harmful factors, while maintaining full control capability through wireless communication protocols.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tool includes multiple control buttons for various operations, then the tool's functionality is improved, but the risk of accidental triggering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an interlocking mechanism between the first button (226A) and second button (226B) using a toggle lever (408). When one button is actuated, the toggle lever physically prevents the other button from being pressed. This preliminary anti-action ensures that only one operation can be initiated at a time, eliminating the risk of simultaneous or accidental triggering of conflicting functions such as cutting and crimping operations.
4Ease of operation
If the handle is designed for ergonomic grip, then the operator's comfort is improved, but the tool's overall complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed as an inclined handle (104) that extends obliquely from the housing at a specific angle, rather than perpendicular or parallel. This asymmetric inclination optimizes the operator's grip angle and reduces wrist strain during operation. The inclined handle includes asymmetric control elements with the first button (226A) and second button (226B) positioned at different locations and orientations, allowing ergonomic access while maintaining structural simplicity through integrated molding rather than separate components.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A tool (100) comprises a housing (102), and a handle (104) coupled to, and extending from, the housing, where the handle has a first trigger button (226A) and a second trigger button (226B). The tool further comprises an interlocking mechanism (408) disposed in the handle, where the interlocking mechanism comprises a toggle lever configured to prevent one of the first trigger button or the second trigger button from being triggered while the other of the first trigger button or the second trigger button is triggered.