Snow Thrower Control Locking for One-Hand Drive and Auger Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-propelled snow throwers require users to operate them with both hands, leading to inefficiencies as the machine either stops walking or the snow collecting device stops working when adjusting speed, direction, or snow throwing angle, causing inconvenience and reduced user efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The electric tool employs a walking control assembly and a working control assembly to send lock signals to each other, allowing simultaneous control of the walking and working assemblies with one hand, enabling the user to operate other functional assemblies without stopping the machine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the existing self-propelled snow thrower uses separate hand controls for walking and working functions, then each function can be controlled independently, but the user must use both hands to operate, causing the machine to stop when adjustments are needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational convenienceVSAvoidwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the walking control assembly and working control assembly into a unified control system where both functions can be operated simultaneously with one hand. The control assemblies are integrated such that the user can adjust speed, direction, and snow throwing angle without stopping the machine, merging previously separate control operations into a single coordinated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the user adjusts speed, direction, or snow throwing angle buttons, then the control parameters can be changed, but the machine stops walking or the snow collecting device stops working

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmachine downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is designed to anticipate and prevent stopping by maintaining power transmission to both the walking assembly and working assembly simultaneously. The system prepares for continuous operation by ensuring that control signal interruptions during adjustment do not result in machine stoppage, allowing parameter changes without interrupting the workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the snow thrower requires two-hand operation, then precise control of both walking and working functions is possible, but the user cannot operate other functional assemblies simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidmulti-function operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The unified control system enables one hand to perform multiple control functions simultaneously - adjusting walking speed, direction, and working parameters like snow throwing angle. This multi-functional control capability allows the user to operate the snow thrower and other functional assemblies with the other hand, creating a universal control interface that handles diverse operations without requiring both hands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3933111B1Electric tool and method for controlling same
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 GLOBE (JIANGSU) CO LTD
  • EP3933111B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3933111B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3933111B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Electric tool and a control method thereof. The electric tool comprises a walking unit (20) and a working unit (30), wherein the walking unit comprises a walking assembly (21), a walking control assembly (22), and a walking switch assembly (23); the working unit comprises a working assembly (31), a working control assembly (32), and a working switch assembly (33); when at least one of the walking switch assembly and the working switch assembly is turned on, at least one of the walking control assembly and the working control assembly receives a lock signal; and when the walking switch assembly and the working switch assembly are both turned on, and then the switch assembly corresponding to the control assembly that receives the lock signal remains on, at that time the control assembly that receives the lock signal simultaneously controls the walking assembly and the working assembly to work.