Trigger Switch Vibration Damping for Power Tool Chattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recent increases in capacity and power of electric power tools have made existing trigger switch mechanisms insufficient in preventing chattering due to inadequate vibration resistance.
Innovation Solution
A trigger switch design featuring a vibration damping elastic body integrated on the outer surface of the switch housing, which absorbs vibrations generated by the tool's motor and suppresses their propagation to the switch, thereby enhancing vibration resistance without increasing contact pressure between movable and fixed contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a switch mechanism with two movable contacts press-fit to two fixed contacts is used to improve vibration resistance, then contact reliability is improved, but chattering occurs due to insufficient vibration resistance in high-power tools
Solution Approach 1:
A vibration damping elastic body is introduced as an intermediary element between the switch housing and the tool housing. This elastic body absorbs vibrations from the motor before they reach the switch mechanism, preventing chattering while maintaining contact reliability. The elastic body acts as a mediator that isolates the switch mechanism from harmful vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration damping elastic body is positioned beforehand to cushion and absorb vibrations before they can affect the switch mechanism. By placing the elastic body in advance between the switch housing and tool housing, vibrations are dampened before they reach the contacts, preventing chattering from occurring.
2Device complexity
If the switch housing is directly fixed to the tool housing for structural simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but vibration resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The solution combines the switch housing (rigid structure) with a vibration damping elastic body (damping material) to create a composite mounting structure. This composite approach maintains structural simplicity while adding vibration damping properties, as the elastic body can be integrated into the housing design rather than adding separate complex components.
3Reliability
If contact pressure between movable and fixed contacts is increased to prevent chattering, then contact reliability is improved, but wear between contacts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration damping elastic body serves as a mediator that isolates the contact mechanism from vibrations, allowing contacts to operate at lower pressure without chattering. This eliminates the need to increase contact pressure, thereby preventing accelerated wear and extending contact lifespan while maintaining reliability.
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 effectively prevents chattering and reduces wear between contacts while minimizing manufacturing costs and ensuring reliable vibration resistance, even when the elastic body has low heat dissipation properties, and provides protection against breakage and improved water resistance.
Implementation Method 1
A vibration damping elastic body is provided integrally on an outer surface of the switch housing
Implementation Method 2
A vibration damping elastic body is provided integrally on an outer surface of the switch housing
Data Source
AI summary
A trigger switch has a switch housing fixed inside a tool housing of an electric power tool and internally having a holder, an operation unit provided outside the switch housing and connected to the switch housing so as to be approachable to and separable from the switch housing, a fixed contact provided in the holder, and a movable contact provided so as to face the fixed contact in the holder and configured to come into contact with and separate from the fixed contact in conjunction with an approaching motion and a separating motion of the operation unit with respect to the switch housing. A vibration damping elastic body is provided integrally on an outer surface of the switch housing.