Working Machine Lock Member for Non-Working Trigger Restriction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing working machines require complex configurations with signal lines for preventing the prime mover from being unintentionally driven when the handle is in a non-working state, leading to increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A working machine with a lock member that moves between non-restriction and restriction positions based on the handle's state, allowing operation when in the working state and restricting operation when in the non-working state, using a simplified configuration without signal lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a switch member and controller with signal lines are used to prevent unintentional operation of the prime mover, then the safety against unintentional operation is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of unintentional operationVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the safety function from the complex electrical control system (switch member and controller) and implements it through a simple mechanical lock member that physically restricts trigger member operation when the handle is in the non-working state. This eliminates the need for signal lines and electronic controllers while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electrical control system (switch member, controller, and signal lines) with a purely mechanical solution using a lock member that mechanically connects to both the handle and trigger member. The lock member's position is determined by the handle state, and it mechanically restricts or allows trigger operation based on whether the handle is in working or non-working state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a switch member and controller with signal lines are used to prevent unintentional operation of the prime mover, then the safety against unintentional operation is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of unintentional operationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the safety function from the expensive electrical control system and implements it through a simple, inexpensive mechanical lock member. This eliminates the need for costly electronic components and signal lines while maintaining the essential safety function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a simple mechanical lock member that is inexpensive to manufacture compared to electronic control systems. The lock member is a basic mechanical component that can be easily produced and replaced if needed, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while providing the required safety function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If a lock member is used to restrict trigger member operation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing unintentional operation may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration simplicityVSAvoidprevention of unintentional operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the safety function with the existing handle and trigger member structure. The lock member is mechanically connected to both the handle and trigger member, combining the state detection function (through handle position) and the restriction function (through trigger member engagement) into a single integrated mechanical system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock member acts as a mechanical intermediary between the handle and trigger member. When the handle is in the non-working state, the lock member physically blocks the trigger member from being operated. This mechanical mediation ensures that unintentional operation is prevented through direct physical restriction rather than electronic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12389823B2Working machine including a lock member that restricts operation of a trigger member
Publication Date: 2025.08.19 MAKITA CORP
  • US12389823B2 patent drawing
  • US12389823B2 patent drawing
  • US12389823B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A working machine may include a body, a working part, a prime mover, a handle, a trigger member configured to be operated by the user for driving the prime mover; and a lock member. The handle may be configured to shift between a working state and a non-working state. The lock member may be configured to: move between a non-restriction position and a restriction position, be positioned at the non-restriction position when the handle is in the working state, be positioned at the restriction position when the handle is in the non-working state, and move from the non-restriction position to the restriction position in response to shift of the handle from the working state to the non-working state.