Self-Locking Switch Assembly with Stop Portion to Reduce Trigger Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power tools with self-locking mechanisms require excessive force to prevent accidental activation, leading to user fatigue and compromised operational safety.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking switch assembly featuring a toggle button with a stop portion, which counteracts part of the acting force imposed by the elastic member, reducing the force needed to maintain the trigger in an actuated state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring is disposed to drive the toggle button to automatically reset to the abutting state, then the power tool can be deactivated automatically when the trigger is released, but the spring imposes a back force on the toggle button requiring the user to press more forcibly, deteriorating operational experience
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is segmented into two independent parts: a first spring portion acting on the trigger and a second spring portion acting on the toggle button. This segmentation allows each spring portion to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the back force on the toggle button while maintaining automatic reset capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A cam structure is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the trigger and the toggle button. The cam converts the trigger's linear motion into rotational motion of the toggle button, enabling the trigger to actuate the switch without directly overcoming the spring's back force on the toggle button, thereby reducing the required pressing force.
2Extent of automation
If the toggle button is deflected to be misaligned with the abutment block to actuate the switch, then the power tool can be activated, but the toggle button must overcome the spring's restoring force, requiring excessive user force
Solution Approach 1:
The cam structure serves as a mechanical intermediary that translates the user's input force applied to the trigger into rotational motion of the toggle button. This mechanism amplifies the user's input force and directs it effectively against the spring's restoring force, reducing the perceived effort required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static toggle button position to a dynamic mechanism where the cam continuously converts linear trigger motion into rotational toggle button motion. This dynamic conversion allows the system to overcome the spring's restoring force more efficiently throughout the actuation process.
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 enhances user experience by reducing the force required to operate the power tool, thereby improving operational safety and reducing user fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member acting on the toggle button and configured to be stressed and deformed when the toggle button is deflected from the lock position to the unlock position and to drive the toggle button to be deflected from the unlock position to the lock position when the toggle button is released
Data Source
AI summary
A self-locking switch assembly and heat gun, which relates to power tools; switch assembly includes switch, trigger, holder, self-locking structure, and first elastic member, self-locking structure including toggle button deflectably disposed on trigger and abutment block disposed on holder, toggle button having lock position wherein toggle button abuts against abutment block to prevent trigger from sliding towards switch and unlock position wherein toggle button is detached from abutment block so the trigger may be stressed to slide towards trigger, first elastic member being configured to be stressed and deformed when toggle button is deflected from lock position to unlock position and to drive toggle button to be deflected from unlock position to lock position when toggle button is released, holder being provided with stop portion for preventing toggle button at unlock position from rotating back towards lock position, toggle button at unlock position being fitted with stop portion.