Trigger Switch Wetting Circuit for Oxidation-Free Power Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery pack powered tools experience faulty trigger presses due to contact degradation, leading to malfunctions and premature battery pack failure from oxidation buildup, which existing technologies fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack powered tool equipped with a wetting circuit and controller that provides power to the switch contacts to remove oxidation, ensuring reliable conductivity and extended battery life by managing current consumption, especially when the device is not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device continuously provides power to switch contacts to prevent oxidation, then contact conductivity is improved, but battery energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wetting circuit operates periodically rather than continuously - it activates for a predetermined time period after the tool is turned off to remove oxidation, then remains inactive during normal operation. This periodic operation maintains contact conductivity while minimizing battery energy consumption during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The oxidation removal action is performed in advance, specifically during the transition period when the tool is turned off. By proactively removing oxidation before it significantly degrades contact performance, the system maintains reliability without requiring continuous power application during operation.
2Reliability
If the wetting circuit operates continuously to maintain contact conductivity, then switch reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wetting circuit is designed with periodic operation controlled by a timer or control circuit that activates it only during the predetermined time period after power-off. This time-based control mechanism adds minimal complexity while ensuring oxidation removal occurs at the optimal moment without requiring continuous monitoring or control.
Solution Approach 2:
The wetting circuit utilizes the power-off transition period itself as the trigger for oxidation removal, rather than requiring separate sensing or control mechanisms. The natural state change of the system (from on to off) automatically initiates the wetting process, reducing the need for additional control complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If oxidation removal is performed only after extended idle time, then energy consumption is reduced, but contact degradation may occur during brief idle periods
Solution Approach 1:
The wetting circuit performs oxidation removal as a preliminary action during the power-off transition period, addressing contact degradation proactively before the tool is next used. This prevents oxidation buildup during brief idle periods while still maintaining low energy consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous protection against oxidation by ensuring that every power-off period triggers a wetting cycle, creating a continuous protective action across usage cycles. This ensures contacts are consistently maintained without requiring the tool to remain idle for extended periods.
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 maintains reliable switch conductivity and extends battery life by removing oxidation films from contacts, preventing faulty trigger presses and premature battery pack failure.
Implementation Method 1
remove an oxidation surface film on the contact of the switch
Implementation Method 2
providing power from the battery pack to the contact of the switch to remove the oxidation surface film on the contact of the switch
Data Source
AI summary
A method for removing oxidation of a contact of a trigger switch of a battery pack powered tool. The method includes receiving power from one or more battery packs coupled to the battery pack powered tool, determining, with a controller, that a trigger of the battery pack powered tool has been actuated, and providing, with a wetting circuit, power from the one or more battery packs to the contact to remove an oxidation surface film on the contact.