Pressure-Sensitive Switch Mechanism to Eliminate Contact Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric power tool switches, such as those using reed switches with contact pieces and resistance plates, experience wear due to repeated abrasion, leading to switch failure.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-sensitive switch mechanism utilizing a resistive pressure sensor with conductive layers and a quantum tunneling material, integrated into an electric power tool's circuit, allows for precise control of the tool's operation by measuring changes in resistance caused by applied force, reducing wear and enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional reed switches with contact pieces and resistance plates are used, then the switch mechanism can control the electric power tool operation, but the contact piece and resistance plate wear due to repeated abrasion leading to switch failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact piece and resistance plate system with a pressure-sensitive sensor system that detects force applied to the trigger without physical contact. This substitution eliminates abrasion between moving parts, resolving the wear and durability problem while maintaining switch functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pressure-sensitive sensor as an intermediary between the user's finger and the switch mechanism. Instead of direct mechanical contact between the contact piece and resistance plate, the sensor mediates the interaction by converting applied pressure into electrical signals, eliminating direct abrasion.
2Reliability
If pressure-sensitive sensor with quantum tunneling material is used, then wear is minimized and durability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional layers (conductive layers, quantum tunneling material, pressure-sensitive elements) into a single integrated sensor assembly. This merging approach consolidates what could be multiple separate components into one unified structure, reducing overall device complexity while achieving wear-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures, specifically combining conductive layers with quantum tunneling material to create the pressure-sensitive sensor. This composite approach enables the sensor to function as a complete unit with both electrical conductivity and pressure sensitivity, simplifying the overall device architecture.
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
The solution provides reliable and durable control over the electric power tool's operation by minimizing wear and improving the longevity of the switch mechanism, enabling precise adjustment of speed and other parameters without the limitations of conventional switches.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensitive device which comprises a resistive pressure sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (401) for providing a switch mechanism comprises a housing (402) and a pressure sensitive device (403) mounted to the housing. An actuator (405) is moveably connected to the housing to enable the actuator to move along an axis (406) towards and away from the pressure sensitive device. A resilient member (406) has a first end (407) connected to the actuator and a second end 408 connected to the pressure sensitive device.