Power Tool Switch Assembly With Opposed Locking and Start Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power tool safety switches, particularly grip type switch assemblies, are prone to accidental activation due to difficulty in distinguishing between the actions of starting the safety switch and the start switch, posing safety risks and limiting their application under new safety regulations.
Innovation Solution
A switch assembly design featuring a locking switch that slides parallel to the longitudinal axis, engaging and disengaging with the start switch to prevent accidental activation, with the start switch and locking switch positioned opposite each other and connected via a pivot, allowing ergonomic and distinct operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a grip type switch assembly is used with the safety switch arranged on the upper side of the handle, then the structure is simple and convenient to use, but it is difficult to significantly distinguish between the action of starting the safety switch and the action of actuating the start switch, leading to accidental activation
Solution Approach 1:
The switch assembly is divided into two distinct switches: a safety switch (first switch) and a start switch (second switch). The safety switch has a first operating part extending from one side of the handle, while the start switch has a second operating part extending from the other side. This segmentation creates clear spatial and functional separation, making it difficult to accidentally activate the start switch without first intentionally activating the safety switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The two switches are positioned asymmetrically on opposite sides of the handle, with the safety switch on one side and the start switch on the other side. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that the user must deliberately reach for and activate the safety switch first, creating a clear distinction between the two actions and preventing accidental activation of the start switch.
2Device complexity
If the start switch is disposed on the lower side of the handle facing downward, then the structure is simple, but the user must hold the handle and press the start switch upward simultaneously, which can still lead to unintentional activation
Solution Approach 1:
The switch assembly is segmented into two separate switches with distinct operating parts extending from opposite sides of the handle. This segmentation allows each switch to be operated independently with clear directional movements, reducing the risk of unintentional activation while maintaining relatively simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having both switches on the same side or in conventional positions, the safety switch and start switch are positioned on opposite sides of the handle. This inverted arrangement requires the user to reach across or to different sides of the handle to activate each switch, creating a more deliberate operating sequence and reducing accidental activation.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The disclosure provides a switch assembly (10) and a power tool. The switch assembly includes a housing (11) which extends along the longitudinal axis, a main control switch (12) which is housed within the housing, a locking switch (14) which is slidably connected with the housing and can move between a locking position and a releasing position, and a start switch (13) which is rotably connected with the housing by a pivot (115). The locking switch is in contact with the start switch when the locking switch is in the locking position, and the start switch is in a locked state. The locking switch is disengaged from the start switch when the locking switch is in the releasing position, and the start switch is in a released state.