Trigger Switch Actuator Dynamics for Motor Speed Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing speed change switches for motors face difficulties in fine adjustment of rotation speed due to the requirement for small displacement of the actuator to maximize rotation speed, and the need for large movement of the actuator to control motor speed proportionally to applied force, making precise control challenging.

Innovation Solution

A trigger switch with a pressure-sensitive sensor and a pressing member that applies force corresponding to the actuator's movement, using a conversion member to convert movement to force when the actuator's movement is small, and direct linkage for larger movements, along with a limitation mechanism to prevent excessive force, allowing for fine adjustment of motor speed with reduced actuator movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If conversion of the amount of displacement of the actuator to pressing force is implemented, then the amount of movement of the actuator is reduced, but fine adjustment of motor speed becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamount of movement of actuatorVSAvoidfine adjustment of motor speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing member is designed to dynamically switch between two operational modes: linked to the actuator for small movements to enable fine adjustment, and directly pressing the load sensor for large movements to maximize motor speed. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction by adapting the system's mechanical configuration to the required control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing member acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the load sensor, providing two different transmission paths: one through the conversion member for precise control, and another direct path for full-range control. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to select the appropriate transmission mode based on the required adjustment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a small spring constant of the elastic body is used, then fine adjustment of motor speed is enabled, but large movement of the actuator is required to maximize motor rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefine adjustment of motor speedVSAvoidmovement of actuator
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two mechanical configurations: when fine adjustment is needed, the pressing member links to the actuator through the conversion member; when maximum speed is required, the pressing member directly presses the load sensor, bypassing the conversion member. This eliminates the need for large actuator movements while maintaining fine adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control range is segmented into two zones: a fine adjustment zone for low-speed control and a high-speed zone for maximum power output. The pressing member transitions between these zones by changing its linkage configuration, allowing the system to achieve both fine adjustment and rapid response without requiring large actuator travel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If direct transmission of pressing force to the load sensor is implemented, then motor speed control is simplified, but fine adjustment of motor speed becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol mechanismVSAvoidfine adjustment of motor speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing member dynamically adjusts its mechanical advantage by switching between two configurations: linked to the actuator for amplified fine control, and directly pressing the load sensor for direct force transmission. This dynamic adaptation maintains simple control while enabling fine adjustment when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different transmission characteristics are applied to different portions of the actuator's travel range: the conversion member provides high mechanical advantage for fine adjustment in the initial range, while direct transmission provides linear control for the remaining range. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between simplicity and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Facilitates fine adjustment of electric power and motor speed with reduced actuator movement, prevents unintentional pressing, and limits excessive force applied to the pressure-sensitive sensor, enhancing control precision and preventing overload.

Implementation Method 1

a compression spring intervening between the actuator and the pressing member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a pressure sensitive sensor to detect applied pressing force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoresistive effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3382734B1Trigger switch
Publication Date: 2021.09.22 SATORI ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP3382734B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3382734B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3382734B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

It is enabled to facilitate fine adjustment of power as well as reduction of the amount of movement required to maximize the power. An actuator 13 is moved by operation of a user. A pressure sensitive sensor 15 detects applied pressing force. A pressing member 14 presses the pressure sensitive sensor 15. When the amount of movement of the actuator 13 is smaller than a predetermined amount, the pressing member 14 presses the pressure sensitive sensor 15 to apply force corresponding to the amount of movement of the actuator 13. When the amount of movement of the actuator 13 is not smaller than the predetermined amount, the pressing member 14 presses the pressure sensitive sensor 15 to apply force corresponding to pressing force applied to the actuator 13 by the user.