Electric Power Tool Switch With Two-Dimensional Activation Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power tools lack effective mechanisms to prevent accidental activation while maintaining ease of handling during operation.
Innovation Solution
An operating switch mechanism requiring movement in at least two dimensions to change between deactivated and activated states, featuring a locking protrusion and a tiltable switch element to prevent accidental activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple single-dimensional switch is used, then ease of operation is improved, but protection from accidental activation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The operating switch requires movement in two dimensions (pushing forward and tilting) to activate the effector. This dual-dimensional operation transforms a simple single-action switch into a multi-step operation, making accidental activation highly unlikely while maintaining intuitive operation. The switch element must be pushed forward along the longitudinal axis and then tilted relative to the transverse axis to complete activation.
2Reliability
If a dual-dimensional switch mechanism is implemented, then protection from accidental activation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking element, switch element, and connecting element into an integrated operating switch assembly. The locking element is formed as part of the switch element structure, and the connecting element couples the switch element to the contact element in a unified mechanism. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the dual-dimensional operation requirement.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental activation, then protection from accidental activation is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The operating switch incorporates an elastic element that provides automatic resetting functionality. After the switch element is pushed forward and tilted to activate the effector, the elastic element automatically returns the switch element to its initial position when released, without requiring additional user action. This self-service mechanism maintains ease of operation by eliminating the need for manual resetting while providing reliable activation control.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power tool includes an effector and an operating switch for setting an operating state of the effector. In a first switch position, the operating switch sets a first operating state of the effector in which the effector is deactivated, and in a second switch position, the operating switch sets a second operating state of the effector in which the effector is activated and a movement of the switch element of the operating switch in at least two dimensions is required to change the operating switch from the first switch position to the second switch position.