Power Tool Control Device Selector Switch Merging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handheld power tools require users to manually adjust settings for different operating modes, such as torque and rotation direction, which can be complex and time-consuming, especially when switching between functions like drilling and screwing.

Innovation Solution

A control device with a selector switch and pressure switch allows users to select predetermined operating modes, automatically adjusting the drive motor, manual transmission, and percussion mechanism, simplifying operation by eliminating the need for manual setting adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple switches are provided for manual adjustment of gear, rotation direction, and impact mechanism, then the tool can perform multiple functions, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to multiple separate controls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-function capabilityVSAvoidnumber of switches and controls
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate switches for gear selection, rotation direction control, and impact mechanism engagement are merged into a single multi-position selector switch. This switch integrates all control functions into one component, reducing the number of separate controls while maintaining full multi-function capability of the power tool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A single selector switch is designed to perform multiple control functions simultaneously. By positioning the switch in different positions, the user can select between various operating modes (drilling, screwing, impact drilling) and control parameters (rotation direction, gear ratio) using one universal control device rather than multiple specialized switches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple switches are provided for manual adjustment, then the tool can perform multiple functions, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to time-consuming manual adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-function capabilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate switches for gear selection, rotation direction control, and impact mechanism engagement are merged into a single multi-position selector switch. This switch integrates all control functions into one component, reducing the number of separate controls while maintaining full multi-function capability of the power tool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The selector switch is pre-configured with positions that automatically set the optimal combination of gear ratio, rotation direction, and impact mechanism engagement for specific operating modes. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for users to manually adjust multiple parameters separately, simplifying the operation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a selector switch controls multiple components automatically, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to the control unit design

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidcontrol unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is designed to automatically interpret the selector switch position and autonomously activate the appropriate gear ratio, rotation direction, and impact mechanism engagement without requiring additional user input or complex control logic. The system serves itself by directly mapping switch positions to component states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit is segmented into distinct control modules for gear selection, rotation direction control, and impact mechanism engagement. Each module independently responds to the selector switch position, allowing the control unit to manage multiple functions through modular, simplified control logic rather than a monolithic complex system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3313622B1Portable power tool
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3313622B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3313622B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3313622B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a portable power tool (1), in particular an electric portable power tool, having a controllable drive machine (5) which is connected/connectable by a transmission device to a tool (8) to be driven, wherein the transmission device has a controllable gearbox (6) having at least two different gears and a controllable percussion mechanism (20), and having a control device (18), operable by a user, for operating the portable power tool (1), wherein the control device (18) has an actuable selector switch (22) for selecting one of several predetermined operating modes and controls the drive machine (5), the gearbox (6) and the percussion mechanism (20) depending on an actuation of the selector switch (22).