Pistol-Grip Power Tool Safety Lock for Stable Finger Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric, pistol-like hand-held devices, particularly battery-operated ones, face issues with accidental activation due to the placement of the electrical accumulator module, leading to uncomfortable operation and potential safety hazards when the device tips over, especially with hot air blowers that can reach high temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an unlocking device on the device body or handle part that can be easily accessed by a user's finger, providing a stable equilibrium and preventing accidental activation, with a support mandrel and symmetrical placement of actuating and unlocking mechanisms for ergonomic and safe operation with either hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the electrical accumulator module is attached to the underside of the handle, then the device can be battery-operated and portable, but the handle axis points downwards and the device becomes prone to accidental activation when tipping over
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing a safety lock mechanism that is automatically activated when the device is placed in its normal operating position (handle axis pointing downwards). This preliminary locking action prevents the actuating device from being accidentally activated if the device tips over during use or storage, directly addressing the reliability issue while maintaining battery operation
2Reliability
If a thumb-operated switch is used to unlock the actuating device, then the device can be secured against accidental activation, but the switch is difficult to reach and operate with comfortable hand position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the safety lock mechanism on the opposite side of the handle from the thumb, specifically on the side that naturally contacts the user's index finger or middle finger during gripping. This asymmetric placement makes the unlocking operation intuitive and comfortable while still providing reliable accidental activation prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The safety lock mechanism is designed to be automatically engaged when the device is held in its normal operating position, requiring no manual intervention for locking. The user simply needs to grip the handle naturally to unlock it, making the system self-serve the locking function while maintaining ease of operation
3Reliability
If multiple mechanical parts are used in the unlocking mechanism, then the device can be securely locked, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the safety lock mechanism with the existing handle structure and actuating device components. The safety lock utilizes the same mechanical principles as the actuating device but integrates them into a unified system where the locking and actuating functions share common structural elements, reducing overall part count while maintaining locking security
Solution Approach 2:
The safety lock mechanism serves multiple functions: it prevents accidental activation, provides a secure locked state, and integrates with the normal gripping operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliability
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical, pistol-like handheld tool (10). The handheld tool (10) comprises a tool body (12) for electrically activated machining of a workpiece, a grip part (16) connected to the tool body (12) at an angle thereto, an actuation device (26) for manually activating and/or deactivating the handheld tool (10), which actuation device (26) is arranged on the tool body (12) or the grip part (16), and an unlocking device (28) for manually unlocking and/or locking the actuation device (26). The unlocking device (28) is arranged on the tool body (12) or the grip part (16) such that unlocking is effected by the handheld tool (10) being supported in stable equilibrium on one of the fingers of a user's hand when the grip part (16) is gripped by a user.