Handheld Power Tool Switch With Integrated Locking Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switches for electrical devices, such as hand-held machine tools and vacuum cleaners, are cumbersome and inconvenient to operate due to their design, which often requires operators to manually switch between active and inactive positions without ergonomic considerations.
Innovation Solution
A switch design where the locking element is mounted on the actuator, allowing it to be moved between active and inactive positions, providing ergonomic operation by eliminating the need for direct actuation by the operator, with a T-shaped configuration and pivot bearings for enhanced ergonomics and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking element is mounted on the actuator, then ergonomic operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is integrated with the actuator by mounting it directly on the actuator body, forming a combined structure that operates as a unified mechanism. This merging reduces the need for separate locking mechanisms and simplifies the overall device architecture while improving ergonomics through the T-shaped configuration that allows intuitive one-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator with mounted locking element serves multiple functions: it acts as the primary actuating mechanism for switching between active and inactive positions, simultaneously provides locking capability through the integrated locking element, and offers ergonomic handling through its T-shaped configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Reliability
If the switch can be locked in the active position, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the actuator structure itself, where the locking element is mounted directly on the actuator. This integration allows the locking function to be achieved without adding a separate, complex locking system, thereby improving safety through reliable positioning while minimizing increases in device complexity.
3Reliability
If the actuator has no actuating surface, then safety is improved by preventing accidental activation, but the ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element serves as an intermediary between the operator and the actuator's switching function. By providing the actuating surface on the locking element rather than directly on the actuator, it mediates the activation process, allowing intentional switching while preventing accidental direct contact with the actuator body. This resolves the contradiction by enabling safe operation through the intermediary locking element.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a switch (30) for an electrical device (9) in the form of a hand-held power tool, a mobile table-top power tool or a vacuum cleaner, or as a component of such an electrical device (9), wherein the switch has an electrical contacts (34, 36) and a contact arrangement (35) adjustable between an on position (E) intended for operating the electrical device (9) and an off position (A) intended for switching off the electrical device (9) by means of an actuating arrangement (60), wherein the actuating arrangement (60) has an actuating surface (74) for manual actuation by an operator.The actuating arrangement (60) has an actuator (61) which is adjustable on a switch base (31) of the switch by means of an actuator bearing (71) for adjusting the contact arrangement (35) between the on position (E) and the off position (A) and a locking element (62) which is adjustable on the actuator (61) relative to the actuator (61) by means of a locking element bearing (72), by means of which the actuator (61) can be locked in an active position (AS) associated with the on position (E) and/or in an inactive position (IS) associated with the off position (A).