Switching Device Receiver Taper for Power Tool Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power tools with snap-action hooks for attaching operating elements to switching slides have limited stability, leading to potential separation and damage when external forces are applied, such as during a fall.
Innovation Solution
A design featuring a receiver on the switching slide with a tapering configuration and a holding element on the operating element, along with a connecting web and a restoring spring, ensures a stable and reliable connection, preventing unintentional demounting and providing anti-rotation protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a snap-action hook is used to fasten the operating element to the switching slide, then the operating element can be attached to the switching slide, but the connection has limited stability and may separate under external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is divided into two distinct regions: a first region with a larger cross-sectional area for initial insertion and guidance, and a second region with a smaller cross-sectional area for final locking. This segmentation allows the holding element to progress through the receiver and become trapped in the second region, creating a stable connection that prevents separation under external forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element is inserted through the receiver and becomes nested within the second region of the receiver. The connecting web extends through the tool housing opening, creating a nested arrangement where components are housed within one another, providing a compact and stable connection structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the holding element extent is increased to improve stability, then connection stability improves, but the operating element becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element and connecting web are merged into a single integrated component formed as one piece from the operating element. This combining of functions reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining connection stability, as the holding element provides mechanical retention and the connecting web provides structural connection to the tool housing.
3Ease of manufacture
If the connecting web and holding element are made integral to the operating element, then manufacturing simplicity improves, but the structural requirements become more demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-sectional dimensions of the receiver are changed along its length, with the first region having a larger cross-section than the second region. This parameter change creates a geometric lock that compensates for the integral construction, allowing the single-piece holding element and connecting web to achieve sufficient structural strength through the tapered geometry of the receiver.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power tool has a tool housing and a drive motor configured to drive an insert tool. The drive motor is switched on and off by an electric switch actuated by a switching device. The switching device has at least one switching slide with a first end and a second end. The first end has a receiver configured to receive an operating element. The second end is connected to an actuating element configured to actuate the electric switch. The receiver has a first region that tapers into a second region. The operating element has a connecting web connected to a holding element. The holding element has an extent that is less than or equal to an assigned extent of the first region. The connecting web has an extent that is less than or equal to an assigned extent of the second region.