Power Tool Battery Display via Lock-Release Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power tools require both hands to operate, making it cumbersome to display the residual capacity of a secondary battery, as the display switch needs to be pressed with one hand while gripping the tool with the other.
Innovation Solution
A power tool design featuring a trigger switch and a lock-release switch positioned on the handle, allowing the residual capacity to be displayed by manipulating the lock-release switch with one hand, eliminating the need for both hands and reducing unnecessary battery consumption and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a display switch is provided beside the display portion for displaying residual capacity, then the residual capacity can be displayed, but both hands are required for operation which makes it cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the display switch function with the lock-release switch that is already integrated into the trigger assembly. By merging these functions into a single switch mechanism, the patent eliminates the need for a separate display switch beside the display portion, allowing users to operate the display function while maintaining grip on the tool handle with one hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock-release switch is given multiple functions: it serves both as a lock-release mechanism for the trigger and as a display activation switch. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of separate controls needed, improving ease of operation while maintaining all necessary functions including residual capacity display.
2Loss of information
If the display is activated during cutting operations, then residual capacity can be monitored, but unnecessary battery consumption and noise occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the display activation based on the operational state of the power tool. The display is activated only when the trigger switch is in the release state (not during cutting operations), and deactivated when the trigger is pressed (during cutting). This dynamic behavior optimizes battery consumption by displaying information only when the tool is not in use.
3Ease of operation
If the display switch is positioned beside the display portion, then the display function is accessible, but the display may be subjected to mechanical stress during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the display switch within the trigger assembly structure, which acts as an intermediary protective element. The trigger assembly serves as a robust mechanical structure that protects the display switch from direct mechanical stress while still allowing easy access through the existing trigger mechanism that users naturally interact with during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool includes a housing, an electric motor accommodated in the housing, a secondary battery that supplies electric power to the electric motor, a handle provided at the housing, a trigger switch provided at the handle for controlling electric power supply to the electric motor, a residual capacity display for displaying a residual capacity of the secondary battery, and a lock-release switch provided at the handle and configured to allow the trigger switch to be operable and to start displaying the residual capacity at the residual capacity display upon manipulation to the lock-release switch.