Ergonomic Switching Unit Pivot Axis for Ratchet Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable machine tools, such as angle grinders, lack ergonomic design in their switching units, making it difficult for both right-handers and left-handers to comfortably operate the ratchet elements due to the perpendicular alignment of the release element's pivot axis, which restricts efficient unlocking of the movement lock and affects usability.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pivot axis for the release element that differs from the main direction of movement and longitudinal extent of the ratchet element, allowing for pivotable mounting in two directions, enabling ergonomic operation by aligning the pivot axis with the operator's finger joint axis, and includes a parallelogram bearing unit to maintain consistent orientation and facilitate low switch-on force actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the pivot axis of the release element is aligned perpendicular to the main direction of movement of the ratchet element, then the structural design is simplified, but the ergonomic operability is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot axis of the release element is deliberately positioned asymmetrically relative to the ratchet element's movement direction. Specifically, the pivot axis is oriented such that it is not perpendicular to the main direction of movement of the ratchet element, creating an asymmetric configuration that aligns with the natural curvature of human fingers (particularly the index finger joint axis), thereby improving ergonomic operability without significantly complicating the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different geometric relationships to different parts of the switching unit. While the overall structure maintains simplicity, the local arrangement of the release element's pivot axis is specifically optimized to match human finger anatomy, creating a localized improvement in ergonomics at the critical interaction point between the operator's finger and the release element
2Ease of manufacture
If the pivot axis is aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the ratchet element, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the ease of unlocking the movement lock is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the pivot axis orientation from the conventional perpendicular alignment to a non-perpendicular arrangement. This parameter change allows the release element to be actuated more efficiently by the operator's finger, improving the ease of unlocking the movement lock while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standard machining operations
3Stability of the object's composition
If the release element is mounted with a fixed pivot axis, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to different operating hands (right-handed and left-handed) is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The release element is designed with a pivot axis orientation that serves multiple functions: it provides structural stability as a fixed mounting, while simultaneously being optimized for ergonomic operation by both right-handed and left-handed operators. The non-perpendicular pivot axis configuration creates a universal design that accommodates different hand orientations and operating styles without requiring multiple variants
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
The machine tool (10) has a switching unit (14), a movably mounted ratchet element (16). The release element (20) is pivotally mounted on the ratchet element, to release movement lock of the ratchet element. The pivot axis (22) of release element is formed perpendicular to the main movement direction (24) of the ratchet element and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the ratchet element.