Shredder Safety Switch Integrated with Fastening Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shredder designs are susceptible to adjustment errors due to short switching strokes of pushbutton switches, leading to unreliable operation and troubleshooting difficulties, as the switching state is not easily recognizable by the user.
Innovation Solution
A shredder with a switching element on the fastening element that actively puts the safety switch into the operating state when closed and leaves it in the switched-off position when released, requiring user activation to put the device into operational readiness, ensuring the shredding unit does not start accidentally until the fastening element is fully tightened.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard pushbutton switch with short switching stroke is used, then the device structure is simple, but the operational reliability deteriorates due to adjustment errors and unrecognizable switching state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fastening element (mounting bracket) with a switching element into a single integrated component. The fastening element has a first position that activates the safety switch and a second position that deactivates it. This merging eliminates the need for separate pushbutton switches and their associated adjustment mechanisms, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element itself serves dual functions: both securing the feed tube to the shredding unit and controlling the safety switch. When the user tightens or loosens the fastening element, it automatically transitions between positions that activate or deactivate the safety switch, respectively. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate switching components and reduces adjustment errors.
2Ease of operation
If the feed tube is detachably attached with a fastening element, then maintenance access is improved, but the risk of accidental start-up increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety switch is integrated into the fastening element and is designed to automatically deactivate the shredding unit when the feed tube is loosened or removed. This preliminary anti-action prevents accidental start-up by ensuring the safety switch is in the deactivated state before the user attempts to access the cutting blades for maintenance, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of unintended activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety switch provides immediate feedback to the user about the operational state of the shredding unit based on the position of the fastening element. When the fastening element is in the loosened position, the safety switch deactivates the shredding unit, giving the user clear feedback that the machine is safe for maintenance. This feedback mechanism ensures that maintenance can be performed safely without risk of accidental start-up.
3Device complexity
If a pushbutton switch with short switching stroke is used, then the device structure is simple, but adjustment errors occur due to mismatch between switching stroke and screw-in depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fastening element and switching element into a single integrated component where the switching element is formed as part of the fastening element. This integration eliminates the need for separate pushbutton switches with short switching strokes, thereby avoiding adjustment errors related to the mismatch between switching stroke and screw-in depth while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element acts as an intermediary between the user's tightening action and the safety switch activation. Instead of using a short-stroke pushbutton switch that requires precise adjustment, the fastening element provides a mechanical linkage that ensures the switching element is actuated at the appropriate point during the tightening process, eliminating adjustment errors and improving manufacturing precision.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The shredder has a shredder unit (1) and a supply pipe (2) for the supply of goods to the shredder unit. A switching element (5) is arranged at a fixing element (3) i.e. fixing screw (9). The switching element displaces a safety switch (4) i.e. ignition interruption switch, in the operating condition, by activation of a user, in a locked condition of the fixing element. The switching element displaces the switch in the resting condition and not in the operating condition, in a released condition of the fixing element. An electrical or combustion motor drives a shredder or cutting tool.