Rotary Operation Switch for Electrical Power Tool Speed Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrical power tools have limited precision in speed control and are inflexible in terms of shape, making it difficult for users to intuitively manage rotation speed and direction, and they cannot easily access small work spaces due to their fixed design.

Innovation Solution

An electrical power tool with a rotatable operation switch positioned on the side of the tool body, allowing users to control the rotation speed and direction of the tip tool by rotating the switch, which is coaxial with the chuck, enabling fine speed control and shape adaptation for various work spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a trigger is used for speed control, then the tool can be operated intuitively, but only rough speed control is possible due to difficulty in recognizing slight differences in trigger pull degree

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintuitive operationVSAvoidspeed control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional linear trigger pulling mechanism with a rotary operation switch. Instead of pulling the trigger linearly, the user rotates the switch, transforming the mechanical input method. This substitution allows for more precise control because rotational angle differences are easier to perceive and control than linear displacement differences, while maintaining intuitive operation through natural hand rotation movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from linear displacement (trigger pull distance) to angular displacement (operation switch rotation angle). This parameter transformation enables finer differentiation in control input, as users can more easily detect and control small angular differences compared to linear distances, thereby achieving more precise speed control while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the tool body and grip are bent and fixed, then the structure is stable, but the tool cannot enter small work spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidwork space adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a rotatable grip that can change its orientation relative to the tool body, transforming the previously fixed static structure into a dynamic one. The grip can rotate to different angles and positions, allowing the tool to adapt to various work space configurations while maintaining structural stability when in use. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the tool to access narrow and confined spaces that would be inaccessible with a fixed bent design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If an operation switch is added for precise speed control, then speed control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed control precisionVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the single operation switch: speed control, rotation direction control, and on/off switching. By merging these functions into one integrated component, the device achieves precise control capabilities without proportionally increasing complexity. The operation switch serves as a multi-functional control interface that consolidates what would otherwise require separate controls, thereby improving speed control precision while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2202035B1Electrical power tool
Publication Date: 2013.07.24 OMRON CORP
  • EP2202035B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2202035B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2202035B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention is to provide an electrical power tool which enables a user to grasp a rotation direction and a rotation speed of a tip tool. The electrical power tool (1) comprises a chuck (2) provided at a tip of a tool body (3), and rotatable with a tip tool held, and an operation switch (7) having operation protrusions (6) exposed to both side surfaces of a tool body (3) so as to be able to operate, respectively bilaterally symmetrically protruded with a rotation axis of the chuck (2) therebetween, coaxially rotatable with the chuck (2), and urged so as to be self-restored to a neutral position. The chuck (2) is rotated in a direction according to a rotation direction of the switch (7) at a speed according to a rotation angle from the neutral position of the operation switch (7).