Handheld Tool Switch Slide Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held power tools, such as angle grinders, have complex switching devices that are difficult to handle and operate safely, as they often require intricate mechanisms to prevent accidental startup and ensure easy shutdown.
Innovation Solution
A simplified switching device with a slide-based locking mechanism on the switch handle, where a blocking element and counter-element interact to prevent activation until the slide is moved to a release position, allowing easy actuation and locking of the switch handle, ensuring safety and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a locking device with slide mechanism is integrated into the switch handle, then the structure becomes simpler and ease of operation improves, but the reliability of preventing accidental startup must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is merged with the switch handle by integrating the slide mechanism directly into the handle structure. The slide is accommodated on the inside of the switch handle, combining the locking function with the handle itself rather than using a separate locking mechanism. This integration simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the dual function of the handle as both a grip and a locking device.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide acts as an intermediary element between the user's grip on the handle and the switch trigger actuation. When the user releases the handle, the slide automatically moves to the blocking position, preventing accidental activation. This intermediary mechanism ensures that the switch can only be activated when the user intentionally grasps the handle, thus maintaining reliability while simplifying operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the switching device is simplified with fewer components, then manufacturing cost decreases and ease of manufacture improves, but the complexity of ensuring safe operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device is segmented into distinct functional elements: the slide with blocking element, the counter-element on the housing, and the spring mechanism. Each segment performs a specific function - the slide moves between positions, the blocking element engages with the counter-element to prevent activation, and the spring provides the necessary force. This segmentation allows for simple manufacturing of individual components while ensuring safe operation through their coordinated interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching device is designed to be self-regulating through the spring-loaded slide mechanism. When the user releases the handle, the spring automatically moves the slide to the blocking position, preventing accidental activation without requiring additional control systems or complex safety mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the user's release action to trigger the safety blocking function.
3Ease of operation
If the switch trigger can be locked in the activated position for prolonged operation, then ease of operation improves during extended use, but the risk of unintended activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The slide can be moved between the blocking position and the released position, allowing the switch trigger to be locked during prolonged operation when needed, but also allowing quick release by simply letting go of the handle. This dynamic design enables the system to adapt to different operational needs while maintaining safety through the simple action of releasing the handle to immediately block the trigger.
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 results in a robust, simple, and user-friendly structure that effectively prevents accidental startup while allowing easy operation and secure locking of the switch handle, enhancing safety and usability during prolonged use.
Implementation Method 1
the slide is biased into the blocking position
Implementation Method 2
the switch trigger is pivotally supported at one end and is spring biased toward the non-activated position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A hand-held power tool is described, comprising a housing (12) in which a motor (22) for driving a tool and a switch (26) for switching the motor (22) on and off are accommodated, a switching device (24) having a switch push button (28) that is movable between an inactive position and an active position for actuating the switch (26), and a locking device (36) that is movable between a blocking position and a release position, wherein the switch push button (28) can only be moved into the activated position when the locking device (36) is in the release position, and wherein the locking device (36) in the activated position allows the switch push button to be locked into a locking position, wherein the locking device (36) has a slide (37).the switch push button (28) is slidably mounted between the blocking position and the release position, wherein a blocking element (46) is provided on the slide (37) which interacts with a counter element (48) on the housing (12) to block movement of the switch push button (28) into the activated position in the blocking position and to allow movement of the switch push button (28) into the activated position when the slide (37) is moved into the release position, and wherein a locking element (40) is provided on the slide (37) which interacts with a receptacle (42) on the housing (12) to allow the switch push button (28) to lock into the locked position in the activated position (Fig. 4).