Lock-off Assembly Trigger Mechanism for Electrical Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock-off mechanisms for electrical devices are compromised when the trigger member is damaged, posing safety risks and are prone to degradation due to environmental exposure, as they are often directly mounted on the trigger and exposed to the environment.
Innovation Solution
A trigger assembly with a lock-off mechanism where the lock-off member is rotatably mounted on the main body, independent of the trigger member, and includes a biasing element like a return spring to maintain functionality even if the trigger member is damaged, with components concealed from environmental exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lock-off mechanism components are exposed to the environment, then the mechanism can be operated, but the components are subject to degradation and wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The lock-off mechanism components (lock-off member, biasing element, hinge pin) are nested within the trigger member space, which is an internal cavity of the trigger assembly. This nesting arrangement protects the components from direct environmental exposure while allowing the lock-off member to protrude through the aperture for user operation, thus maintaining both durability and operability.
2Ease of operation
If the lock-off mechanism components are exposed to the environment, then the mechanism can be operated, but the exposed components are unsightly to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The lock-off mechanism components are nested within the trigger member space, with only the necessary portion of the lock-off member protruding through the aperture for operation. This nesting conceals the hinge pin, biasing element, and other internal components from view, presenting a clean, aesthetically pleasing exterior while maintaining full operational accessibility through the aperture.
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
Ensures the lock-off mechanism operates effectively even if the trigger member is damaged, enhancing safety and extending the usable life by protecting internal components from environmental degradation and improving aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
the biasing element includes a return spring
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a trigger assembly for use with an electrical device, said trigger assembly including a main body, a trigger member, an actuator member operably-connected to the trigger member, and a lock-off mechanism including a lock-off member; wherein the main body includes at least one rigid arm having a first end connected with a surface of the main body and extending away from the main body into the trigger member space terminating at a second end that is spaced apart from the first end, and wherein, said lock-off member is rotatably mounted proximate to the second end of the at least one rigid arm; and wherein the trigger member includes an aperture disposed therein and is configured so that a user may rotatably operate the lock-off member about the second end of the arm via the aperture in the trigger member.