Machine Tool Switch with Silicone Lockout for Accidental Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tool switches lack effective prevention of accidental activation, ergonomics, and protection against dust, dirt, and water, with prior solutions either requiring user intervention to maintain a blocking position or leading to user fatigue due to continuous operation requirements.
Innovation Solution
A switch comprising a circuit board with microswitches and a silicone layer with a blocking switch and membrane, where the silicone layer's actuation activates the microswitches, providing a secure, ergonomic, and protected switching mechanism that prevents accidental activation by requiring sequential and staggered user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical switch with activation lock is used, then protection against accidental activation is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user burden to maintain locking position
Solution Approach 1:
The switch automatically returns to the blocking position after activation without requiring user intervention. The elastomeric layer with integrated blocking switch and diaphragm provides automatic resetting functionality, eliminating the burden of manually maintaining a locking position while ensuring protection against accidental activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switches with microswitches integrated into a circuit board, combined with an elastomeric layer that provides both blocking and activation functions. This electromechanical integration simplifies the system while maintaining safety features, as the microswitches can be precisely controlled and automatically reset through the circuit board's electrical pathways.
2Ease of operation
If a purely electronic switching solution is used, then ease of operation is improved, but protection against dust, dirt, and water deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric layer acts as a flexible protective membrane that seals the microswitches and circuit board from environmental contaminants such as dust, dirt, and water. This thin film maintains the electronic switching functionality while providing robust protection against harmful factors, allowing the switch to operate conveniently in harsh industrial environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines electronic components (circuit board, microswitches) with an elastomeric material to create a composite structure. The elastomeric layer provides environmental sealing and mechanical protection while the electronic components provide switching functionality, achieving both ease of operation and protection against dust, dirt, and water simultaneously.
3Reliability
If continuous pressing operation is required, then protection against accidental activation is improved, but ergonomics deteriorates due to hand fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking switch is designed to be pressed periodically or intermittently rather than continuously. The elastomeric layer allows the blocking switch to be activated in discrete presses, with automatic resetting in between, reducing hand fatigue while maintaining protection against accidental activation through the staged activation sequence required.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation process is segmented into distinct stages: first pressing the blocking switch to enable activation, then pressing the on/off switch to actually activate the machine tool. This segmentation separates the safety function from the activation function, allowing each to be optimized ergonomically while maintaining overall protection against accidental activation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a switch for a machine tool, wherein the switch comprises a printed circuit board and a silicone layer. The printed circuit board has a first microswitch, while the silicone layer has a blocking switch, the silicone layer being arranged on the printed circuit board such that actuation of the blocking switch results in actuation of the first microswitch. Furthermore, the printed circuit board can have a second microswitch and the silicone layer a diaphragm, wherein actuation of the diaphragm results in actuation of the second microswitch. In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for switching on a machine tool, wherein the machine tool comprises a switch with a printed circuit board and a silicone layer.The invention provides an ergonomically advantageous switch that is also well protected against dust, dirt and/or water, and effectively prevents accidental activation of the machine tool.