Power Tool Gearshift Latching for Precise Low-Effort Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of existing hand-held machine tools' operating mechanisms, particularly in switching gear elements, requires improvement for easier and more reliable operation, as operators must manually position actuators to achieve precise switching positions.
Innovation Solution
A latching arrangement with sliding surfaces and a control surface arrangement is introduced, where the locking member is guided past a tipping contour into adjacent locking recesses, allowing for automatic and stable positioning of the actuator, utilizing a spring-loaded mechanism and low-friction materials to facilitate smooth movement and secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning of actuators is used to achieve precise switching positions, then positioning precision is improved, but operator effort and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element automatically positions itself into the locking recess through the tilting contour mechanism, eliminating the need for manual positioning by the operator. The system serves itself by using the movement of the actuating element to automatically trigger the locking action at the correct position.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary between the actuating element and the transmission system. It mediates the positioning process by automatically engaging at the correct position through the tilting contour, thereby achieving precise switching without requiring direct manual positioning of the actuator.
2Measurement precision
If complex actuating devices with multiple adjustment elements are used, then switching precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the complex adjustment mechanism from the actuating device and replaces it with a simple locking element that automatically positions itself. The complex positioning function is separated from the actuation process, leaving a simplified actuating device with only the essential locking component.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element automatically performs the positioning function that previously required complex adjustment mechanisms. By making the locking element self-positioning through the tilting contour, the system eliminates the need for multiple adjustment elements and complex actuating devices.
3Reliability
If manual adjustment to end positions is required, then reliable engagement is improved, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking recess is pre-positioned at the correct switching position, and the locking element is designed to automatically engage with it during the actuation process. This preliminary arrangement ensures that reliable engagement occurs automatically at the correct position without requiring additional manual adjustment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element automatically engages with the locking recess at the correct position during actuation, eliminating the need for manual adjustment to achieve reliable engagement. The system performs the engagement action itself during the normal actuation cycle, reducing operation time while maintaining reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the operation by enabling the actuator to automatically assume stable positions, reducing operator effort and enhancing the reliability of gear switching, while maintaining precise control over the transmission's switching positions.
Implementation Method 1
The locking member is advantageously guided past the apex or the tilting contour independently and/or automatically and/or without any operator action and/or by means of a spring force acting on the locking member into one of the locking recesses
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hand-held power tool comprising a drive motor, a transmission (40) and a tool-receiving element, a motor output of the drive motor being coupled to a transmission drive (41) of the transmission (40) in a rotating manner and a transmission output (42) of the transmission (40) being coupled to the tool-receiving element in a rotating manner, the hand-held power tool (10) comprising an actuating device (100) for moving the transmission (40) between the gearshift positions (S1, S2, S3, S4) thereof, the actuating device (100) comprising a manually actuatable actuating member (110) mounted such that it can move between actuating positions (B1, B2, B3, B4) in relation to a machine housing (11) of the hand-held power tool (10), said actuating member (110) being coupled to the at least one shift transmission element (101, 102) for controlling the gearshift positions (S1, S2, S3, S4). In order to lock the actuating member (110) in the actuating positions, the actuating device comprises a locking arrangement (160) comprising locking recesses (164) arranged on a locking structure (180) and associated with actuating positions of the actuating member (110), in addition to a locking member (161) for engaging in the locking recesses. The locking structure comprises a control surface arrangement (165) with sliding surfaces (168, 169) along which the locking member can slide and which extend from at least two locking recesses to a vertex (166, 167) arranged between the locking slots and protruding above the locking recesses (164), the locking member being unstable on the vertex such that the locking member is guided past the vertex into one of the locking recesses (164) next to the vertex.