Segmented Control Element for Electric Hand Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex and costly electric hand tool control elements with high integration and miniaturization lead to short service life and difficulty in repairing individual components, making it challenging to provide effective haptic feedback and prevent unintentional actuation.
Innovation Solution
A structurally separated control element with a first movable element for actuation and a control device that converts mechanical positions into electrical signals, allowing for improved haptic feedback and preventing inadvertent activation through a latching mechanism, enabling independent design of user-operated forces and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the operating element is highly integrated or miniaturized, then the device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but the service life becomes short and individual components cannot be repaired
Solution Approach 1:
The control element is segmented into two independent parts: a mechanical operating element (first movable element) and an electronic control device. The operating element contains only mechanical components for user interaction, while the control device handles electrical switching and processing. This segmentation allows the mechanical part to be durable and repairable, while the electronic part can be optimized for functionality.
2Volume of moving object
If the operating element is highly integrated, then the device size is reduced, but it becomes impossible to repair individual components in the event of a fault
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the mechanical operating element from the electronic control device, the patent enables independent repair of each component. The mechanical operating element can be replaced or serviced without affecting the electronic control device, and vice versa, significantly improving repairability while maintaining a compact overall design.
3Extent of automation
If a four-way switch is used to control running direction, then the electrical switching function is achieved, but the haptic feedback to the user is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the haptic feedback function (mechanical operating element) from the electrical switching function (control device). The mechanical operating element can be designed with springs, detents, and other mechanical features to provide rich haptic feedback, while the control device independently handles the electrical switching and signal processing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the operating element controls both direction and speed, then the degree of integration is increased, but the operability without visual or acoustic interaction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different control functions to separate movable elements: the first movable element controls direction with clear mechanical feedback, while the second movable element controls speed. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function with appropriate haptic characteristics, improving tactile operability while maintaining functional integration.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electric hand tool comprises an electrical load, a movable control element, and a control unit for regulating the flow of current between the energy storage device and the load based on the position of the control element. The control unit is separate from the control element, and the conversion of the mechanical position of the control element into an electrical control signal takes place within the control unit.