Electric Work Machine Motor Control With Multi-Region Switch Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the functions of brush cutters and other electric work machines increase, their operation input devices become more complex, requiring more intricate manipulations from users, which can complicate the user interface configuration.
Innovation Solution
An electric work machine is designed with a motor, a first manual switch, a second manual switch, and a control circuit. The second manual switch is moved within a defined movement range with different regions, allowing the control circuit to rotate the motor according to specific control systems based on the switch's position, thereby simplifying user interface manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the functions of electric work machines are increased, then the versatility and functionality are improved, but the user interface configuration becomes more complicated and requires more intricate manipulations
Solution Approach 1:
The second manual switch is designed to perform multiple functions by detecting its position in different regions along the movement direction. The same physical component (the second manual switch) serves as both a start/stop control and a mode selection mechanism, eliminating the need for separate switches for each function and thereby maintaining interface simplicity while enhancing versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically changes the function of the second manual switch based on its position along the movement direction. When moved to a first position, it enables a first operation mode; when moved to a second position, it enables a second operation mode. This dynamic reconfiguration allows a single static component to provide multiple operational modes without increasing physical complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions are added to electric work machines, then the operational capabilities are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to more complicated input manipulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the start/stop function and the mode selection function into a single manual switch operation. The user manipulates the same second manual switch to both start/stop the motor and to select between different operation modes, reducing the number of separate controls and simplifying the overall input manipulation required
Solution Approach 2:
The second manual switch serves multiple purposes: it acts as a start/stop control when moved to specific positions and as a mode selector when moved to other positions. This multi-functional design allows users to access multiple operational capabilities through a single, familiar manipulation pattern, maintaining ease of operation while expanding functional capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the present disclosure includes an electric work machine including a motor, a first manual switch, a second manual switch, and a control circuit. The control circuit rotates the motor in accordance with a first control system, based on (i) the first manual switch being manually operated and (ii) the second manual switch being within a first region. The control circuit stops the motor, based on (i) the first manual switch not being manually operated and/or (ii) the second manual switch being within a second region. The control circuit rotates the motor in accordance with a second control system, based on (i) the first manual switch being manually operated and (ii) the second manual switch being within a third region.