Lateral Release Element Positioning for Angle Grinder Ratchet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable machine tools, such as angle grinders, face challenges in ergonomic design and accidental unlocking of the ratchet element, which can lead to unintended movement and safety hazards due to the placement of the release element within the operating surface.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a movably mounted ratchet element with a release element positioned laterally next to the operating surface, allowing for easy actuation with one hand while preventing unintentional unlocking, featuring a pivotable and rotatable release element with a movement dependency unit for simultaneous operation and a spring element for automatic resetting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the release element is positioned within the operating surface of the ratchet element, then the structure is compact, but the risk of accidental unlocking increases and ergonomic handling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The release element is extracted from the operating surface of the ratchet element and positioned laterally adjacent to it. This separation removes the release element from the area where the operator's hand naturally contacts the ratchet element during normal operation, thereby preventing accidental unlocking while maintaining a compact overall structure through close proximity positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning the release element within the two-dimensional operating surface of the ratchet element, the design transitions to a three-dimensional arrangement where the release element is positioned laterally adjacent to the ratchet element. This dimensional change allows both elements to be closely positioned without overlapping, reducing accidental contact risk while maintaining compactness.
2Volume of moving object
If the release element is positioned within the operating surface of the ratchet element, then the structure is compact, but ergonomic handling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The release element is extracted from the operating surface area and positioned laterally adjacent to the ratchet element. This allows the operator's hand to comfortably grasp the ratchet element's operating surface without inadvertently activating the release element, significantly improving ergonomic handling while maintaining a compact switching unit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The design applies local quality by providing distinct spatial zones: the ratchet element's operating surface is optimized for finger grasping and actuation, while the release element is positioned in a separate lateral zone accessible to the thumb or index finger. This localized functional separation enhances ergonomic operation without increasing overall volume.
3Reliability
If the release element is positioned laterally next to the operating surface, then accidental unlocking is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The release element is extracted from the ratchet element's operating surface and positioned laterally adjacent to it. This simple spatial separation prevents accidental unlocking without requiring additional locking mechanisms, springs, or complex actuation systems, thereby maintaining structural simplicity while enhancing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses a simple three-dimensional positioning approach where the release element is placed laterally adjacent to the ratchet element rather than within its operating surface. This dimensional arrangement prevents accidental contact while requiring minimal additional structural elements, keeping the overall device complexity low.
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 configuration enhances ergonomic handling, reduces the risk of accidental unlocking, and provides a compact, user-friendly mechanism for operators, ensuring safe and efficient operation of portable machine tools.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element for automatic resetting
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention is based on a machine tool, in particular an angle grinder, comprising at least one switching unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g), which has at least one movably mounted ratchet element (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g) and at least one release element (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g) for unlocking a movement preventer of the ratchet element (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g). It is proposed that at least one actuating region (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g) of the release element (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g) is at least partially arranged laterally alongside an operating area (22a, 22b; 22c; 22d; 22e; 22f; 22g) of the ratchet element (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g).