Ergonomic Switching Device for Electric Garden Tools
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switching devices for electrically driveable garden tools lack ease of use and safety features, particularly in controlling the electric motor's speed and ensuring secure operation in various conditions.
Innovation Solution
A switching device with an operating unit comprising a speed operating element, a switch operating element, and a lock operating element, where the speed element is actuated by fingers, the switch by the thumb, and the lock by the palm, with a blocking element and spring load for ergonomic operation, and includes a micro switch for safe electrical control and waterproof sealing, ensuring the electric motor can only be started when the PCBA is energized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a switching device with multiple operating elements is provided to control electric motor speed and ensure secure operation, then the reliability and safety of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple operating elements (speed operating element, switch operating element, lock operating element) into a single integrated operating unit that controls the electric motor. This merging approach allows multiple functions (speed control, switching, locking) to be performed through one unified interface, improving reliability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating unit is designed as a multi-functional component that performs speed control, switching, and locking operations. By making the operating unit universal and capable of multiple functions, the patent reduces the need for separate control mechanisms, thereby managing device complexity while enhancing safety and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a blocking element with spring load is provided to hold the switch operating element in position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is equipped with a spring load that automatically engages and disengages to hold the switch operating element in its actuated or unactuated state. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex control systems to maintain switch position, thereby improving ease of operation while minimizing increases in device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If waterproof sealing is provided for the switching device, then the adaptability to various conditions is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs waterproof sealing mechanisms (such as sealing membranes or flexible sealing elements) that protect the internal components of the switching device from moisture and wet conditions. These sealing solutions provide adaptability to various environmental conditions while requiring manageable manufacturing precision, as they can accommodate normal tolerances through their flexible or conformal nature.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a switching device for electrically driveable garden tools, which comprises at least one operating unit (14), wherein said operating unit (14) comprises at least one speed operating element (18), at least one switch operating element (20) for mechanically blocking said speed operating element (18) in at least one actuation state and at least one lock operating element (22) for holding said switch operating element (20) in at least one position.