Power Tool Directional Trigger Lock for Reliable Motor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric screwdrivers experience unreliable trigger locking, leading to accidental shutdowns and reduced work efficiency and quality due to easy accidental unlocking of the trigger.
Innovation Solution
A power tool design featuring a directional assembly that mates with a switch assembly to lock it in a startup position, using a directional member with a protrusion and groove mechanism to prevent accidental unlocking, and elastic members for reliable trigger positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple trigger locking mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of trigger locking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The directional assembly is merged with the switch assembly, where the directional member's protrusion engages with the trigger's groove to form an integrated locking mechanism. This combination achieves reliable trigger locking without requiring separate complex locking components, as the directional control function simultaneously provides the locking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is self-actuating through the directional member's rotation. When the directional member rotates to the locking position, the protrusion automatically engages with the groove to lock the trigger. The system uses its own operational motion (directional rotation) to achieve the locking function without requiring external locking actuators.
2Ease of operation
If the trigger is made easily operable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of trigger locking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism incorporates dynamic positioning through the directional member that can rotate between multiple positions (locking, forward rotation, reverse rotation). The trigger remains easily pressable during operation but is dynamically locked when the directional member is in the locking position, allowing easy operation without sacrificing locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove structure on the trigger acts as an intermediary element between the directional member and the trigger body. The protrusion fits into this groove to transmit the locking action, allowing the trigger to remain easily operable while being securely locked when needed, as the groove provides a precise engagement interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the directional assembly is added to control rotation direction, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The directional member serves multiple functions: it controls the rotation direction of the motor and simultaneously provides the trigger locking mechanism through its protrusion. This multi-functionality increases adaptability (directional control) without proportionally increasing complexity, as one component achieves multiple objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The directional control function and trigger locking function are merged into a single directional assembly. The directional member's rotation controls motor direction, while its protrusion engages with the trigger's groove to lock the trigger, combining two functions into one integrated mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the reliability of the trigger lock, maintaining consistent motor rotation and improving work efficiency and quality by preventing accidental shutdowns.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member disposed between the trigger and the housing, where when the directional member is at the forward rotation position and the reverse rotation position, the first elastic member causes the trigger to return to the shutdown position
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool includes a housing, an electric motor, a switch assembly, and a directional assembly. The motor is disposed at least partially in the housing and includes a rotating shaft rotatable about a first axis. The switch assembly is operable to switch between a startup position and a shutdown position. The switch assembly sends a startup signal to the motor at the startup position. The switch assembly sends a shutdown signal to the motor at the shutdown position. The directional assembly is for the user to operate to control a rotation direction of the electric motor. The directional assembly is further configured to mate with the switch assembly to lock the switch assembly at the startup position. When the directional assembly is operated to be disengaged from the switch assembly to unlock the switch assembly, the switch assembly switches to the shutdown position.