Hand-held Power Tool Automatic On-Off Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hand-held power tools, such as drywall screwdrivers, require complex components and additional installation space for an automatic on and off function, making them more costly and less ergonomic due to the need for a second switch and sensor system.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a design where the electric motor is switched on and off by relative movement of the handle housing with respect to the tool housing, eliminating the need for a second switch and reducing component complexity, allowing for a simpler and more ergonomic design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a second switch and sensor system are added to achieve automatic on and off function, then the automatic switching capability is improved, but the device complexity increases and installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic on and off functionVSAvoidcomponent complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the automatic switching function with the existing main switch mechanism. The trigger mechanism serves dual purposes: manual actuation for main switch operation and automatic actuation via spring-loaded contact for on/off control based on pressing force detection. This merging eliminates the need for a separate second switch and sensor system, reducing device complexity while maintaining automatic functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The main switch and trigger mechanism are designed to perform multiple functions: manual switching, automatic switching via pressing force detection, and mechanical coupling between handle housing and tool housing. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall device complexity and installation space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Extent of automation

If a second switch and sensor system are added to achieve automatic on and off function, then the automatic switching capability is improved, but the installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic on and off functionVSAvoidinstallation space in handle housing

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic switching components (spring-loaded contact, trigger mechanism) are integrated into the existing handle housing structure and main switch assembly. By merging these functions into already-present structural elements, the patent avoids requiring additional dedicated space for separate sensors and switches, thereby minimizing installation space requirements in the handle housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle housing and trigger mechanism serve multiple functions including structural support, manual actuation, automatic pressing force detection, and electrical switching. This multi-functionality allows the same space to serve multiple purposes, reducing the total installation space needed compared to having dedicated separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Extent of automation

If a second switch and sensor system are added to achieve automatic on and off function, then the automatic switching capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic on and off functionVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the automatic switching function into the existing main switch and trigger mechanism, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble separate second switches and sensor systems. This reduction in component count directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the automatic on/off capability through the spring-loaded contact and pressing force detection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simple, inexpensive mechanical components such as spring-loaded contacts and basic trigger mechanisms instead of complex electronic sensors and control systems. These simpler mechanical components are cheaper to manufacture and assemble, reducing overall production costs while achieving the desired automatic switching function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS9475182B2Hand-held power tool with mechanically controlled automatic on and off function

Publication Date: 2016.10.25 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

A hand-held power tool includes a tool housing and a handle housing. The handle housing is movable relative to the tool housing. The hand-held power tool also includes an electric motor for driving the hand-held power tool. The electric motor is switched on and off by a relative movement of the handle housing relative to the tool housing. The hand-held power tool also includes a main electrical switch configured to apply an electrical voltage supply to the electric motor. The main electrical switch is switched by an actuating mechanism. The main electrical switch is actuatable with the aid of a movable component that is movable relative to the tool housing handily via the actuating mechanism, either directly or by the actuating mechanism.