Push-Button Starter With Asymmetric Head For Outdoor Power Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional key start systems for outdoor power equipment, such as lawn mowers, are costly due to the need for robust materials and construction, which increases manufacturing expenses.

Innovation Solution

A push-button electric starter system with a button having a shaft and enlarged head portion, housed in a structure with a deflectable tab and notched peripheral edge, allowing for secure retention and easy operation while minimizing rotation and snagging risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional key start system is used, then the engine starting function is reliable and controllable, but the manufacturing cost increases due to robust material requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine starting reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the expensive, durable metal key with a cheaper plastic button that serves the same starting function. The button is designed to be replaceable if lost or damaged, eliminating the need for expensive robust materials while maintaining reliability through the electric motor-driven starting mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical key-and-lock system with an electric push-button system. The button activates an electric motor that turns the engine over, replacing the mechanical key insertion and turning action with an electrical circuit closure that triggers electronic starting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If a push-button starter is used, then manufacturing costs are reduced and operation is simplified, but the risk of accidental activation may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidaccidental activation risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The button is designed with an asymmetric shape that does not match the recess geometry unless properly oriented. This asymmetric design ensures the button can only be inserted and pressed in the correct orientation, preventing accidental activation while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The button is retained in the housing by a tab that engages with the button's peripheral edge, preventing unintended removal or activation. The retention mechanism requires deliberate user action to release, providing preliminary protection against accidental operation while allowing easy intentional use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If the button is fully retained in the housing, then operational reliability is improved, but accessibility for operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton retentionVSAvoidbutton accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The button is segmented into a head portion and a shaft portion, with the head providing a grasping surface that extends beyond the housing. This segmentation allows the button to be both securely retained within the housing and easily accessible for operation, as users can grasp the exposed head portion to activate the starting function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 push-button starter provides durability and simplicity, potentially lowering manufacturing costs compared to conventional key-and-slot systems while ensuring reliable operation and reduced risk of accidental activation.

Implementation Method 1

The housing may include: a resilient tab configured to engage the head portion and retain the button in the neutral position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an electric starter motor operatively coupled to the engine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9847186B2Starter and power equipment unit incorporating same

Publication Date: 2017.12.19 THE TORO COMPANY

AI summary

A push-button starter for use with an outdoor power equipment unit. In one embodiment, the starter includes a housing defining an opening to receive a removable button, and a peripheral edge surrounding the opening. The peripheral edge may define two scalloped areas such that two opposite sides of a head portion of the button are exposed and accessible when the button is in a neutral position within the housing while remaining sides of the head portion are enclosed within the housing. Moreover, the opening and the head portion may be configured to control an orientation of the button relative to the housing, and further prevent rotation of the button relative to the housing.