Electric Power Tool Push-Pull Switch for Rotation Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable electric power tools are difficult to use when switching between tightening and loosening screws or drilling, as they require manipulating a cylinder in a direction different from the pressing direction, making it hard to change the chuck's rotation direction while pressing a tip tool against a work target.
Innovation Solution
An electric power tool with a manipulation part that can be pushed or pulled along the chuck's rotation axis, controlled by a motor to change the rotation direction based on user input, allowing for intuitive manipulation while pressing the tool against a work target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cylinder is used as a manipulation part that can be rotated to change chuck rotation direction, then the chuck rotation direction can be changed, but it becomes difficult to manipulate the cylinder in a direction different from the pressing direction when pressing the tip tool against a work target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional manipulation approach by allowing the manipulation part to be pushed or pulled along the rotation axis direction (frontward or backward) instead of rotating it. This linear manipulation along the pressing direction enables intuitive operation while maintaining the ability to change chuck rotation direction through the control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rotation-based manipulation system with a linear push/pull mechanism controlled by a control unit. The manipulation part's linear movement along the rotation axis is converted into rotational control signals for the motor, eliminating the need for direct mechanical rotation manipulation and improving ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the manipulation part is manipulated in a direction different from the pressing direction, then the chuck rotation direction can be changed, but it increases the difficulty of one-handed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent aligns the manipulation direction with the pressing direction by allowing push/pull operations along the rotation axis. This inversion of the conventional perpendicular manipulation approach enables users to operate the tool comfortably with one hand while maintaining full functionality for changing rotation directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that translates the linear push/pull manipulation into appropriate motor rotation control. This intermediary conversion layer enables the manipulation part to respond intuitively to user input in the pressing direction while controlling the motor to achieve the desired chuck rotation direction changes.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electric power tool (1) includes a rotatable chuck (6) installed at a front end (2a) of the casing (2) to hold a tip tool (30), a grip body (3) installed at a rear end (2b) of the casing (2), and a manipulation part (4) provided to be exposed through an outer circumferential surface (2c) of the casing (2) near the rear end (2b) of the casing (2) to be manipulated by a user from the outside. The manipulation part (4) is configured to be pushed toward the front end (2a) of the casing (2) or pulled toward the rear end (2b) of the casing (2) by the user to change a position of the manipulation part (4) from a neutral position thereof, and the control unit (11b) controls the motor (5) such that a rotation direction of the motor (5) when the manipulation part (4) is pushed becomes opposite to a rotation direction of the motor (5) when the manipulation part (4) is pulled.