Dual-Motor Push Rod Control Panel for Switchable Drive Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Garden tools are limited to either self-propelled or manually pushed/pulled modes, failing to meet user requirements for versatile operation.
Innovation Solution
A control panel with lock assemblies that allow switching between manual-power and self-propelled driving modes, featuring a sliding panel assembly and lock shafts to secure the panel on a push rod, along with safety mechanisms to prevent accidental operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the power device is designed to operate only in self-propelled mode, then the self-propelled performance is optimized, but the adaptability to different user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel assembly is designed to be dynamically switchable between locked and unlocked states. The lock assembly with lock shaft can lock the panel assembly at different positions on the pushing rod, enabling the power device to switch between manual pushing mode (locked) and self-propelled mode (unlocked). This dynamic configurability provides adaptability to different user needs without requiring completely separate device designs.
2Ease of operation
If the control panel is fixed on the pushing rod, then the operational stability is improved, but the ease of operation for mode switching deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly provides a mechanical locking mechanism that secures the panel assembly at selected positions on the pushing rod. The lock shaft can engage with positioning structures to fix the panel assembly during operation, preventing unintended movement. Meanwhile, the locking and unlocking actions can be performed easily by the user through simple manual operations, achieving both stability during use and ease of mode switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock assembly prevents accidental mode switching by requiring deliberate user action to unlock and move the panel assembly. The mechanical lock acts as a preliminary protective measure that blocks unintended operations while allowing authorized changes, thus maintaining reliability without compromising ease of legitimate operation.
3Ease of operation
If the sliding needle acceleration is uniform throughout the range, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation for speed control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The acceleration of the sliding needle is designed to vary with position rather than remaining uniform. In the first range [0, s1], the acceleration is set to a lower value for smooth initial speed adjustment. In the second range [s1, s2], the acceleration increases to provide more responsive control. This non-uniform acceleration profile is achieved through mechanical design elements such as variable radius cam surfaces or spring force characteristics that change with displacement, allowing easy operation across different speed ranges while accepting the increased manufacturing complexity.
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
Enables seamless switching between driving modes, enhancing user experience and safety by preventing accidental operation and allowing variable speed control in self-propelled mode.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding potentiometer connected to the first motor; wherein the sliding potentiometer comprises a potentiometer base and a sliding needle movably connected to the potentiometer base, and wherein the first motor is configured to adjust the rotation speed to adjust the self-propelling speed of the power device according to the moving distance of the sliding needle on the potentiometer base
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to power device (13). The power device (13) comprising a machine body, a housing (131), a first motor (132) and a second motor (133) located in the housing (131). The first motor (132) is adapted to provide self-propelled power, and the second motor (133) is adapted to provide working power for the power device (13). The power device (13) further comprises a control panel, including a pushing rod (1) connected to the machine body, a panel assembly (2) reciprocatingly sliding on the pushing rod (1) and a sliding potentiometer (9) connected to the first motor (132). The sliding potentiometer (9) comprises a potentiometer base (91) and a sliding needle (92) movably connected to the potentiometer base (91), and the first motor (132) is configured to adjust the rotation speed to adjust the self-propelling speed of the power device (13) according to the moving distance of the sliding needle (92) on the potentiometer base (91).