Display systems and procedures for a hydraulic tool
The hydraulic tool's display system with non-RGB and RGB LEDs offers visual feedback to confirm successful operations and errors, addressing the challenge of detecting tool performance deviations.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-09
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
background A hydraulic tool can be used for crimping, shearing, or cutting a workpiece, among other things. Such tools typically use a hydraulic pump to actuate the tool. For example, the force exerted by the pump can be used to close the tool jaws, thus performing a crimping, cutting, or shearing operation on the workpiece at a desired location. In some cases, it can be difficult for a user to determine whether the tool has properly crimped, sheared, or cut the workpiece. For instance, deviations from acceptable tolerances for some crimping, shearing, or cutting operations can be difficult to detect through visual inspection alone. Summary According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a hydraulic tool may include a tool housing. The tool housing may include a base extending from the tool housing and defined by a first aperture and a second aperture on opposite sides of the base. A head may be positioned at a first end of the tool housing. The head may exert a mechanical force on a workpiece. A display system may include a first section. The first section may comprise a lens extending through the first aperture of the base. A printed circuit board may have a non-RGB LED and an RGB LED arranged under the same lens. The non-RGB LED and the RGB LED may be arranged to emit light through the same lens. In some examples, the display system may also include a second section. This second section may contain a lens that extends through the second aperture of the socket. A printed circuit board may feature an RGB LED positioned beneath the same lens. The RGB LED may be positioned to emit light through the same lens to indicate the tool's status. In some examples, the RGB LED of the first section of the display system can emit light through the same lens to indicate the tool's status. The non-RGB LED of the first section of the display system can emit light through the same lens to illuminate a workpiece during tool operation. In some examples, the first section of the display system can emit light in a first direction, and the second section of the display system can emit light in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In some examples, the hydraulic tool can be configured to make an initial determination that a cutting, crimping, or shearing operation, meeting a predetermined criterion, has been performed by the head on the workpiece. The hydraulic tool can cause the indicator system to emit an initial light color corresponding to this initial determination. In some examples, the hydraulic tool can be configured to make a second determination: that a cutting, crimping, or shearing operation that meets a predetermined criterion has not been performed by the head on the workpiece. The hydraulic tool can cause the indicator system to emit a second light color corresponding to this second determination. In some examples, the first section of the display system may contain a first lens and a second lens. The printed circuit board may have a non-RGB LED and an RGB LED positioned below both the first and second lenses. In some examples, the printed circuit board may have a semicircular shape. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for indicating the status of a hydraulic tool may include providing a hydraulic tool with a housing, a working head coupled to the housing, and a display system comprising a lens with a non-RGB LED and an RGB LED arranged below the lens. The method may include performing a work operation on a workpiece using the working head. The method may include determining whether the work operation meets a predetermined criterion. The method may include causing the RGB LED to emit light through the lens in a first color if the work operation meets the predetermined criterion, and in a second color different from the first color if the work operation does not meet the predetermined criterion. In some examples, the process may further include emitting light from the non-RGB LED through the lens to illuminate the workpiece during the work process. In some examples, the non-RGB LED and the RGB LED can emit light through the lens simultaneously during operation. In some examples, the housing may include a base extending from it. The base may be defined by a first aperture and a second aperture on opposite sides of the base. The lens may extend through the first aperture. In some examples, the non-RGB LED and the RGB LED can be mounted on a printed circuit board with a semicircular shape. In some examples, the display system may also include a second lens positioned on the opposite side of the housing. The method may further include emitting light from a second RGB LED through the second lens simultaneously with the emission of light from the RGB LED through the lens. In some examples, the procedure may further include causing the RGB LED to blink, pulse, or emit light in a predetermined pattern to indicate the status of the hydraulic tool to a user. According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a display system for a hydraulic tool may include a base extending from a housing of the hydraulic tool. The base may be defined by a first aperture facing a working head of the hydraulic tool and a second aperture facing away from the working head. A first lens may extend through the first aperture. A second lens may extend through the second aperture. A first printed circuit board may be positioned below the first lens. The first printed circuit board may have a non-RGB LED that emits light through the first lens to illuminate a workpiece, and an RGB LED that emits light through the first lens to indicate a status of the hydraulic tool. A second printed circuit board may be positioned below the second lens.The second printed circuit board can feature an RGB LED that emits light through the second lens to indicate the status of the hydraulic tool. In some examples, the RGB LED of the first circuit and the RGB LED of the second circuit can emit light simultaneously to indicate the status of the hydraulic tool. In some examples, the first printed circuit board can define a semicircular shape. In some examples, the first aperture can define an inclined surface. The first lens can extend through an opening in the inclined surface. In some examples, the first lens and the second lens can emit light in opposite directions. Brief description of the drawings The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the invention: Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of an example of a hydraulic tool according to aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a side view of an example of the hydraulic tool from Fig. 1, which includes a display system. Fig. 3 is a top view of the hydraulic tool from Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is an axonometric partial view of the hydraulic tool from Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a front partial view of the hydraulic tool from Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a side view of a first printed circuit board (PCB) for use with the display system of the hydraulic tool from Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a side view of a second printed circuit board (PCB) for use with the display system of the hydraulic tool from Fig. 2.2. Fig. 8 is a partial front view of the hydraulic tool from Fig. 2, which includes another example of a display system. Fig. 9 is a partial front view of the hydraulic tool from Fig. 2, which includes another example of a display system. Fig. 10 is a partial front view of the hydraulic tool from Fig. 2, which includes another example of a display system. Fig. 11 is a partial front view of the hydraulic tool from Fig. 2, which includes another example of a display system. Fig. 12 is a side view of the hydraulic tool from Fig. 2, which includes another example of a display system. Fig. 13 is a side view of the hydraulic tool from Fig. 2, which includes a live wire display system. Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example use of the live wire display system from Fig. 13. Detailed description The following discussion is undertaken to enable a person skilled in the art to manufacture and use embodiments of the invention. Given the usefulness of this disclosure, various modifications of the embodiments shown will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the embodiments of the invention. Thus, the embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to those shown, but rather are to be granted the broadest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. Figures 1 and 2 show an example of a hydraulic tool 100 according to the present disclosure. Although the example implementation described here relates to a crimping / cutting tool, the features of this disclosure can be implemented in other similar tools, such as shearing tools or punching tools. Furthermore, any suitable size, shape, or type of elements or materials can be used. The illustrated hydraulic tool 100 includes a housing 105 and a working head 110 (e.g., containing one or more jaws) connected to the housing 105 to perform an operation (e.g., crimping, cutting, etc.) on a workpiece. In some examples, the hydraulic tool 100 may include a power source 115 to enable the operation of the tool 100. In some examples, the tool 100 may be battery-operated, and the power source 115 may be in the form of a battery 120 (e.g., a 120-cell battery).a removable, rechargeable battery). In other examples, the hydraulic tool 100 may include a power cable (e.g., for alternating current (AC) power connections). To operate the hydraulic tool 100, a trigger 125 can be coupled to the housing 105. The trigger 125 can be actuated by a user to activate the hydraulic tool 100 and perform the operation. For example, actuating the trigger 125 can control the operation of an output assembly located inside the housing 105. The output assembly can include a motor 130, a pump 135, and a hydraulic actuator 140, which acts on the work head 110 to perform the operation. When the trigger 125 is pressed, electrical current can flow from the battery 120 to the output assembly, causing the output assembly to actuate the work head 110 to perform the operation. In some cases, the trigger 125 can communicate with an electronic controller 190 (e.g., containing a processor and memory) that controls the flow of electrical current from the battery 120 or another power source. More specifically, the electrical current can be supplied to the motor 130 of the output assembly. The motor 130 can be coupled to the pump 135, so that the rotation of the motor 130 actuates the pump 135 to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator 140. In some cases, the motor 130 can be coupled to the pump 135 via a gearbox (e.g., a reduction gearbox). With further reference to Figures 1-2, the pump 135 can deliver hydraulic fluid from a reservoir 145 (e.g., a tank) to a hydraulic cylinder 150. Generally, the hydraulic cylinder 150 includes a piston 155 with a piston head 160 and a piston rod 165. The piston 155 is movably mounted within the cylinder 150 to form a first chamber 170 and a second chamber 175 within an internal volume of the cylinder 150. In some cases, a piston seal is provided to seal between the piston head 160 and the cylinder 150 to prevent fluid from escaping between the first chamber 170 and the second chamber 175. Furthermore, a rod seal is provided to seal between the cylinder 150 and the piston rod 165 to prevent hydraulic fluid from escaping the cylinder 150. To operate the hydraulic actuator 140, the hydraulic cylinder 150 uses pressurized fluid to generate mechanical movement. For example, hydraulic fluid is pumped into the first chamber 170. The pressure acting on the surface of the piston 155 generates a force that causes the piston 155 to move within the cylinder 150 between a first position (e.g., a retracted position or an extended position) and a second position (e.g., the other of the retracted position and the extended position). In some cases, the hydraulic cylinder 150 is single-acting. For example, hydraulic fluid is pumped to exert pressure on one side (e.g., the first chamber 170) of the piston 155. Therefore, the piston 155 can only move in one direction by generating the force. A return mechanism 180 (e.g.,A spring or gravity is used to return the piston 155 from the second position to the first position. In other cases, the hydraulic cylinder 150 is double-acting. For example, hydraulic fluid is pumped to exert pressure on both sides (e.g., the first chamber 170 and a second chamber 175) of the piston 155. The hydraulic fluid creates pressure along the surface in the first chamber 170 and generates a force to move the piston 155 between the first and second positions. To move the piston 155 between the second and first positions, the hydraulic fluid creates pressure along the surface in the second chamber 175 to generate a force. As mentioned previously, in some cases it may be difficult for a user to determine whether the tool has successfully crimped, sheared, or cut the workpiece. Therefore, the tool 100 may include an indicator system 185. The indicator system 185 can be configured to provide the user with a visual, audible, tactile, or other indication of whether a successful crimping, shearing, cutting, etc., operation has been completed. Furthermore, in some cases, the indicator system 185 may also indicate to the user that the tool 100 has a low battery, a mechanical fault has occurred, or other indications that may be useful to the user. Figures 2 and 3 show an example of a hydraulic tool 200 that includes the display system 185. In some examples, the display system 185 may be at least partially enclosed within the housing 105. For example, the housing 105 may include a raised section (e.g., a base) 205 that accommodates the display system 185. In other examples, however, the display system 185 may be positioned differently. For example, the display system 185 may be positioned within a handle (e.g., a grip) of the tool 100 next to the battery 120. In other examples, the display system 185 may be positioned at any other location on the housing 105 or the handle that allows the user to see the display system 185.In some examples, the socket 205 can extend over the housing 105 to provide maximum visibility of the display system 185, such that a first section 210 of the display system 185 provides a visibility path in the direction indicated by arrow 220. Similarly, a second section 215 of the display system 185 can provide a visibility path in the direction indicated by arrow 225. In some examples, the visibility paths defined by arrows 220 and 225 can extend in opposite directions. For instance, the first section 210 of the display system 185 can provide a display for a user looking from the work head 110 towards the housing 105. Similarly, the second section 215 of the display system 185 can provide a display for a user looking from one end of the tool 100 opposite the work head 110 (e.g., the back of the tool 100). Thus, the display system 185 can be visible to the user regardless of the direction from which the user is looking. Furthermore, in some examples, the base 205 can include a first aperture 305, which may be located next to a connection point between the working head 110 and the housing 105. The first aperture 305 can also provide an inclined surface that may encompass a first lens 310 and a second lens 315 of the first section 210 of the display system 185. For example, the first and second lenses 310, 315 may extend through openings in the first aperture 305 to secure the first section 210 of the display system 185 in its position. In other examples, the first section 210 of the display system 185 may contain only a single lens instead of a pair of lenses (e.g., lenses 310, 315). In still other examples, the first section 210 of the display system 185 may contain more than two lenses (e.g., three, four, etc.). In some examples, the base 205 may include a second aperture 320 opposite the first aperture 305. This second aperture may form an inclined surface containing a first lens 325 of the second section 215 of the display system 185. For example, the first lens 325 may extend through an opening in the second aperture 320 to secure the second section 215 of the display system 185 in its position. In other examples, however, the second section 215 of the display system 185 may contain more than one lens (e.g., two, three, four, or more lenses). Furthermore, as mentioned previously, the light emitted by the second section 215 of the display system 185 may be emitted in a direction offset by approximately 180 degrees from the direction of the light emitted by the first section 210 of the display system 185. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, it can be said that the first and second sections 210, 215 of the display system 185 are aligned with respect to a central axis 405, which may correspond to a position of the working head 110. As shown in Figure 4, for example, the first section 210 of the display system 185 may be bisected by the central axis 405, with the first and second lenses 310, 315 being offset by approximately 10 to 30 degrees relative to the central axis 405. In other examples, however, the lenses may be offset from the central axis 405 by other angular displacements (e.g., 0 to 180 degrees). As shown in Fig. 5, the second section 215 of the display system 185 can be bisected by the central axis 405, with the first lens 325 of the second section 215 being arranged on the central axis 405 (e.g. bisected by the central axis 405). Fig. 6 shows an example of a printed circuit board (PCB) 605 for the first section 210 of the display system 185. In some examples, the PCB may define an essentially semicircular shape. In other examples, however, the PCB may be annular or define another known shape. In some examples, the PCB 605 may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 610 configured to emit light through the respective lens (e.g., lens 310 or 315). For example, the LEDs 610 may be configured to emit white (e.g., non-RGB) light to illuminate a workpiece during a work operation (e.g., cutting, crimping, etc.). For example, the LEDs 610 may be activated in response to the actuation of the trigger 125 and emit light through the lens (e.g., lens 310, 315, or both). In some examples, the PCB 605 may contain one or more RGB LEDs 615 in addition to the LEDs 610. The RGB LEDs 615 may be configured to emit light through the respective lens (e.g., lens 310, 315, or both) to indicate the status of the tool 100 to the user. For example, the RGB LEDs 615 may glow green when a successful crimping, cutting, or other operation is completed. In another example, the RGB LEDs 615 may glow red if an error occurs during an operation. In some examples, the RGB LEDs may blink, pulse, remain lit, or emit light in predetermined patterns to indicate the status of the tool 100 to the user. For example, the RGB LEDs 615 may blink red when the battery 120 is low.In other examples, the RGB LEDs can light up to provide a user with information about the temperature of the tool, the pressure of the tool, or other information about the status of the tool 100. In some examples, the PCB 605 can contain an LED 610 and an RGB LED 615 under the same lens (e.g., sharing a lens). For example, a first LED 610 and a second RGB LED 615 can both be positioned under the lens 310. Furthermore, a single lens 310 can project light from both the LED 610 and the RGB LED 615. In other examples, the LED 610 can emit light (e.g., as a work light) while the RGB LED 615 illuminates simultaneously to indicate the status of the tool 100. In some examples, instead of using a single LED 610 and a single RGB LED 615 under a single lens (e.g., lens 310), the display system 185 can contain multiple LEDs (e.g., more than one RGB LED 615) under a single lens. Similarly, the work light can contain multiple LEDs (e.g., more than one LED 610) under the single lens.Instead of using an LED that only produces white light, the LED 610 can also be an RGB LED, which, however, can be configured to emit white-yellow light to function as a work light. Fig. 7 shows an example of a PCB 705 for the second section 215 of the display system 185. In some examples, the PCB can define an essentially rectangular shape. In other examples, however, the PCB can define any other known shape, such as a semicircular, ring-shaped, etc. In some examples, the PCB can contain one or more RGB LEDs 710. For example, the PCB 705 can contain a pair (e.g., two) of RGB LEDs 710. In other examples, however, the PCB can contain only a single RGB LED or more than two RGB LEDs. In some examples, the RGB LEDs 710 can be positioned below the lens 325 so that they can emit light to indicate the status of the tool 100. For example, the RGB LEDs 710 can glow green when a successful crimping, cutting, or other operation is completed. In another example, the RGB LEDs 710 can glow red if an error occurs during an operation. In some examples, the RGB LEDs can blink, pulse, remain lit, or emit light in predetermined patterns to indicate the status of the tool 100 to the user. For example, the RGB LEDs 710 can blink red when the battery 120 is low. As should be apparent, in some examples, the RGB LEDs 710 can be configured to emit light simultaneously with the RGB LEDs 615.Therefore, if the RGB LEDs 615 emit red light, the RGB LEDs 710 can emit red light simultaneously. This allows the user to view either the first section 210 of the display system 185 or the second section 215 of the display system 185 to determine the status of the tool 100. Fig. 8 shows another example of a display system 800 for use with the tool 200 (e.g., as an alternative configuration of the display system 185). As can be seen, the display system 800 shares a number of components with the previously shown and described examples and functions in a similar manner. For the sake of brevity, these common features will not be described again in detail below. Rather, the previous discussion of similarly named or numbered features also applies to example configurations of the display system 800, unless otherwise stated. In some examples, instead of using a pair of lenses (e.g., as shown in Fig. 4), the display system 800 can contain three lenses arranged around the working head 110 at intervals of approximately 120 degrees. For example, a first lens 805, a second lens 810, and a third lens 815 can be arranged around the working head 110 at intervals of approximately 120 degrees to form a Y-shape. In some examples, the first and second lenses 805 and 810 can be configured to emit light from both an LED 610 and an RGB LED 615 (e.g., functioning as a working light and display system). However, the third lens 815 can be configured to emit light only from an LED 610 (e.g., functioning only as a working light).Furthermore, in some examples, to facilitate this arrangement, a ring-shaped PCB can be positioned around an axis formed by the working head 110, with LEDs 610 and RGB LEDs 615 positioned under lenses 805, 810 and LEDs 610 under lens 815. Fig. 9 shows another example of a display system 900 for use with the tool 200 (e.g., as an alternative configuration of the display system 185). As can be seen, the display system 900 shares a number of components with the previously shown and described examples and functions in a similar manner. For the sake of brevity, these common features will not be described again in detail below. Rather, the previous statements regarding similarly named or numbered features also apply to the example configurations of the display system 900, unless otherwise stated. In some examples, the arrangement of the lenses (e.g., a first lens 905, a second lens 910, and a third lens 915) can be similar to the arrangement shown in Fig. 8. However, the lenses 905, 910, and 915 can form an inverted (e.g., mirrored) Y-shape. For example, the lenses can be arranged around the working head 110 at a distance of approximately 120 degrees from each other. In some examples, the first lens 905 can be configured to emit light from both an LED 610 and an RGB LED 615 (e.g., functioning as a work light and display system). However, the second and third lenses 910 and 915 can be configured to emit light from only one LED 610 (e.g., functioning only as a work light).Furthermore, in some examples, to facilitate this arrangement, a ring-shaped PCB can be positioned around an axis formed by the working head 110, with LEDs 610 and RGB LEDs 615 positioned below the lens 905 and LEDs 610 positioned below the lenses 910, 915. Fig. 10 shows another example of a display system 1000 for use with the tool 200 (e.g., as an alternative configuration of the display system 185). As can be seen, the display system 1000 shares a number of components with the previously shown and described examples and functions in a similar manner. For the sake of brevity, these common features are not described again in detail below. Unless otherwise stated, the previous discussion of similarly named or numbered features also applies to example configurations of the display system 1000. In some examples, the display system 1000 can contain three lenses arranged around the working head 110 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. For example, a first lens 1005, a second lens 1010, and a third lens 1015 can be arranged around the working head 110 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to form an inverted T-shape. In some examples, the first lens 1005 can be configured to emit light from both an LED 610 and an RGB LED 615 (e.g., functioning as a working light and the display system). However, the second and third lenses 1010 and 1015 can be configured to emit light from only an LED 610 (e.g., functioning only as a working light). Furthermore, in some examples, to facilitate this arrangement, a PCB (e.g.,(with a circular, rectangular, semicircular or other shape) are positioned around an axis formed by the working head 110, wherein the LEDs 610 and the RGB LEDs 615 are positioned below the lens 1005 and the LEDs 610 are positioned below the lenses 1010, 1015. Fig. 11 shows another example of a display system 1100 for use with the tool 200 (e.g., as an alternative configuration of the display system 185). As can be seen, the display system 1100 shares a number of components with the previously shown and described examples and functions in a similar manner. For the sake of brevity, these common features are not described again in detail below. Unless otherwise stated, the previous discussions regarding similarly named or numbered features also apply to the example configurations of the display system 1100. In some examples, instead of using two or three lenses (e.g., as shown in Figures 4 and 8-10), the display system 1100 can contain four lenses that can form an X-shape. For example, a first lens 1105, a second lens 1110, a third lens 1115, and a fourth lens 1120 can form an X-shape. For example, the first lens 1105 and the second lens 1110 can be spaced approximately 60 degrees apart, while the first lens 1105 and the third lens 1115, as well as the second lens 1110 and the fourth lens 1120, can be spaced approximately 120 degrees apart. Furthermore, the third lens 1115 and the fourth lens 1120 can be spaced approximately 60 degrees apart. In some examples, the first and third lenses 1105 and 1115 can be configured to emit light from both an LED 610 and an RGB LED 615 (e.g., functioning as a work light and the display system). However, the second and fourth lenses 1110 and 1120 can be configured to emit light from only an LED 610 (e.g., functioning only as a work light). Furthermore, in some examples, to facilitate this arrangement, a ring-shaped PCB can be positioned around an axis formed by the work head 110, with LEDs 610 and RGB LEDs 615 positioned below lenses 1105 and 1115, and LEDs 610 positioned below lenses 1110 and 1120. Fig. 12 shows another example of a display system 1200 for use with the tool 200 (e.g., as an alternative configuration of the display system 185). As can be seen, the display system 1200 shares a number of components with the previously shown and described examples and functions in a similar manner. For the sake of brevity, these common features will not be described again in detail below. Rather, the previous discussion of similarly named or numbered features also applies to example configurations of the display system 1200, unless otherwise stated. In some examples, the display system 1200 may include a display 1205 instead of using lenses to indicate the status of the tool 100 to a user. In some examples, the display 1205 may be positioned on a handle (e.g., a grip) 1210 of the tool 100 (e.g., extending parallel or perpendicular to an axis formed by the housing 105). In particular, the display 1205 may be positioned on the handle 1210 next to the battery 120 to provide a user with an indication of the status of the tool 100. For example, the display 1205 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), an LED display, or any other type of display. In some examples, the display can continuously show information about the status of tool 100. For instance, display 1205 can show the remaining battery percentage, crimping success / failure, tool errors, tool pressure, tool temperature, or other information related to the status of tool 100. In some cases, instead of continuously displaying information (e.g., real-time information) regarding tool 100, display 1205 can show information intermittently (e.g., at a predetermined interval) or whenever an error or change in the tool status is detected. Figures 13 and 14 show an example of a current-carrying wire indicator system 1300. In some examples, the current-carrying wire indicator system 1300 includes one or more sensors 1305, which may be positioned within the working head 110 of the tool 100. In some examples, the sensors 1305 may be in the form of magnetic field sensors, voltage sensors, Hall-effect sensors, magnetoresistive sensors (containing giant magnetoresistance (GMR) and anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR)), inductive sensors, reed switches, earth field sensors, etc. In some examples, the sensors 1305 may be configured to detect whether a wire, cable, or other workpiece is currently carrying current (e.g., whether power is flowing to / through the wire). Thus, the Sensor 1305 can form a personal voltage detector that can be configured to alert a user to the status of the workpiece. For example, during the use of tool 200 in step 1405, a user may bring tool 200 close to a workpiece (e.g., a wire) that is currently live (e.g., has a current flowing through it). In step 1410, sensor 1305 may detect a magnetic field emitted by the workpiece during or before contact between the working head 110 of tool 200 and the workpiece. Thus, in step 1415, controller 190 (e.g., in communication with sensor 1305) may activate display system 185 (or another display system described herein) to provide a user with visual, audible, tactile, or other feedback to alert the user to a potentially unsafe condition. In some examples, in addition to light emission through the lenses of the display system, tool 200 may use an alternative feedback mechanism 1310 (e.g.,(include a loudspeaker, a haptic feedback motor, or another known alternative feedback mechanism) to indicate to a user that the workpiece may be live. In some implementations, the devices or systems disclosed herein may be used, manufactured, or installed using methods that embody aspects of the invention. Accordingly, any description herein of particular features, capabilities, or intended purposes of a device or system shall generally include the disclosure of a method for using such devices for the intended purposes, a method for otherwise implementing such capabilities, a method for manufacturing relevant components of such device or system (or the device or system as a whole), and a method for installing disclosed (or otherwise known) components to support such purposes or capabilities.Likewise, unless otherwise specified or limited, the discussion contained herein of a method for manufacturing or using a particular device or system, including the installation of the device or system, shall inherently include the disclosure of the features used and capabilities implemented of such device or system as embodiments of the invention. Further examples Example 1. A hydraulic tool comprising: a tool housing, wherein the tool housing includes a base extending from the tool housing and defined by a first aperture and a second aperture on opposite sides of the base; a head at a first end of the tool housing, wherein the head exerts a mechanical force on a workpiece; and a display system, wherein the display system comprises: a first section, wherein the first section includes a lens extending through the first aperture of the base; and a printed circuit board with a non-RGB LED and an RGB LED arranged under the same lens, wherein the non-RGB LED and the RGB LED are arranged to emit light through the same lens. Example 2. The hydraulic tool from Example 1, wherein the display system further comprises: a second section, the second section containing a lens extending through the second aperture of the base; and a printed circuit board with an RGB LED arranged under the same lens, the RGB LED being arranged to emit light through the same lens to indicate a status of the tool. Example 3. The hydraulic tool from Example 2, wherein the RGB LED of the first section of the display system emits light through the same lens to indicate a status of the tool, and wherein the non-RGB LED of the first section of the display system emits light through the same lens to illuminate a workpiece during operation of the tool. Example 4. The hydraulic tool from one of Examples 2-3, wherein the first section of the display system emits light in a first direction and the second section of the display system emits light in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Example 5. The hydraulic tool from one of Examples 2-4, wherein the hydraulic tool is configured to: make a first determination that a cutting, crimping or shearing operation satisfying a predetermined criterion has been performed by the head on the workpiece; and cause the indicator system to emit a first color of light corresponding to the first determination. Example 6. The hydraulic tool from any of Examples 2-5, wherein the hydraulic tool is configured to: make a second determination that a cutting, crimping or shearing operation satisfying a predetermined criterion has not been performed by the head on the workpiece; and cause the indicator system to emit a second color of light corresponding to the second determination. Example 7. The hydraulic tool from any of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the first section of the display system includes a first lens and a second lens, and wherein the printed circuit board has a non-RGB LED and an RGB LED located below both the first lens and the second lens. Example 8. The hydraulic tool from any of Examples 1-7, wherein the printed circuit board defines a semicircular shape. Example 9. A method for indicating the status of a hydraulic tool, wherein the method comprises: providing a hydraulic tool with a housing, a working head coupled to the housing, and a display system comprising a lens with a non-RGB LED and an RGB LED arranged below the lens; performing a work operation on a workpiece using the working head; determining whether the work operation meets a predetermined criterion; and causing the RGB LED to emit light through the lens in a first color if the work operation meets the predetermined criterion, and in a second color different from the first color if the work operation does not meet the predetermined criterion. Example 10. The method of Example 9, which further includes: emitting light from the non-RGB LED through the lens to illuminate the workpiece during the work process. Example 11. The method of Example 10, wherein the non-RGB LED and the RGB LED emit light through the lens simultaneously during the operation. Example 12. The method of any of Examples 9-11, wherein the housing includes a base extending from the housing, the base being defined by a first aperture and a second aperture on opposite sides of the base, and the lens extending through the first aperture. Example 13. The method of any of Examples 9-12, wherein the non-RGB LED and the RGB LED are mounted on a printed circuit board of a semicircular shape. Example 14. The method according to any of Examples 9-13, wherein the display system further comprises a second lens positioned on a side of the housing opposite the lens, and wherein the method further comprises: emitting light from a second RGB LED through the second lens simultaneously with emitting light from the RGB LED through the lens. Example 15. Method of any of Examples 9-14, further comprising: causing the RGB LED to blink, pulse or emit light in a predetermined pattern to indicate to a user a status of the hydraulic tool. Example 16. A display system for a hydraulic tool comprising: a base extending away from a housing of the hydraulic tool, the base being defined by a first aperture facing a working head of the hydraulic tool and a second aperture facing away from the working head; a first lens extending through the first aperture; a second lens extending through the second aperture; a first printed circuit board positioned below the first lens, the first printed circuit board comprising a non-RGB LED emitting light through the first lens to illuminate a workpiece and an RGB LED emitting light through the first lens to indicate a status of the hydraulic tool;and a second printed circuit board positioned below the second lens, the second printed circuit board having an RGB LED that emits light through the second lens to indicate the status of the hydraulic tool. Example 17. The display system of Example 16, wherein the RGB LED of the first printed circuit board and the RGB LED of the second printed circuit board emit light simultaneously to indicate the status of the hydraulic tool. Example 18. The display system of any of Examples 16-17, wherein the first printed circuit board defines a semicircular shape. Example 19. The display system of any of Examples 16-18, wherein the first aperture defines an inclined surface and wherein the first lens extends through an opening in the inclined surface. Example 20. The display system of any of Examples 16-19, wherein the first lens and the second lens emit light in opposite directions. Unless otherwise restricted or defined, "or," as used herein, denotes a non-exclusive list of components or operations that may exist in any variety of combinations, rather than an exclusive list of components that may exist only as alternatives to one another. For example, a list of "A, B, or C" denotes the options: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; and A, B, and C. Similarly, the term "or," as used herein, denotes exclusive alternatives only when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of." For example, a list of "one of A, B, or C" includes the following options: A, but not B and C; B, but not A and C; and C, but not A and B.A list preceded by "one or more" (and variations thereof) and containing "or" to separate the listed items indicates the options for one or more of any or all of the listed items. For example, the expressions "one or more of A, B, or C" and "at least one of A, B, or C" denote the following options: one or more of A; one or more of B; one or more of C; one or more of A and one or more of B; one or more of B and one or more of C; one or more of A and one or more of C; and one or more of A, one or more of B, and one or more of C. Similarly, a list preceded by "a multitude of" (and variations thereof) and containing "or" to separate the listed items denotes options for multiple instances of any or all of the listed items.For example, the expressions “a plurality of A, B or C” and “two or more of A, B or C” denote options of: A and B; B and C; A and C; and A, B and C. Unless otherwise defined or restricted, directional terms, as used here, are also employed to facilitate reference to the discussion of specific figures or examples. For instance, references to downward (or other) directions or upward (or other) positions may be used to discuss aspects of a particular example or illustration, but do not necessarily require a similar orientation or geometry in all installations or configurations. Unless otherwise restricted or defined, “essentially parallel” as used herein also means a direction which lies within ± 12 degrees of a reference direction (e.g. within ± 6 degrees). Unless otherwise restricted or defined, “essentially perpendicular”, as used here, means a direction that lies within ± 12 degrees of a reference direction (e.g., within ± 6 degrees), inclusive. Unless otherwise restricted or defined, "integral" and related terms (e.g., "integral") also refer, as used here, to elements manufactured as a single piece without fasteners, adhesives, or similar means of joining separate components. For example, an element stamped, cast, or otherwise formed from a single piece of sheet metal or using a single die as a one-piece component, without the use of rivets, screws, or adhesives to hold separately formed parts together, is an integral (and integrally formed) element. In contrast, an element formed from multiple pieces that are first formed separately and later joined together is not an integral (or integrally formed) element. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "about" and "approximately," as used herein in relation to a reference value, refer to deviations from the reference value of ±15% or less, including the endpoints of the range. Similarly, the term "substantially the same" (and the like), as used herein in relation to a reference value, refers to deviations from the reference value of less than ±10%, including. Where indicated, "substantially" may, in particular, indicate a deviation in a numerical direction relative to a reference value. For example, "substantially less" than a reference value (and the like) means a value reduced by 10% or more from the reference value, and "substantially more" than a reference value (and the like) means a value increased by 10% or more from the reference value. Unless otherwise restricted or specified, "substantially identical" also refers, as used here, to two or more components or systems that are manufactured or used according to the same process and specifications, where the variations between the components or systems are within the limits of the tolerances permissible for the respective process and specifications. For example, two components may be considered substantially identical if they are manufactured according to the same standardized manufacturing steps, with the same materials, and within the same acceptable dimensional tolerances (e.g., as specified for a particular process or product). Unless expressly stated otherwise, ordinal numbers are used here to facilitate reference, generally based on the order in which certain components are presented in the relevant part of the disclosure. In this respect, for example, designations such as "first," "second," etc., generally only indicate the order in which a component so designated is introduced for discussion and generally do not denote or require any particular spatial, functional, temporal, or structural precedence or order. The above detailed description should be read with reference to the figures, in which identical elements in different figures have the same reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, show selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the examples given herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention. It is understood that the invention, in its application, is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the above description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of taking other embodiments and being practiced or carried out in various ways. It is also understood that the language and terminology used herein serve descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. The use of the terms "including," "comprising," or "having" and their variations is intended to encompass the elements listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional elements. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "assembled," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and their variations are used in a broad sense and include both direct and indirect assemblies, connections, supports, and couplings.Furthermore, "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. The foregoing description of the disclosed embodiments is intended to enable any person skilled in the art to manufacture or use the invention. Given the usefulness of this disclosure, various modifications of these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but rather is intended to be granted the broadest possible scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
Claims
A hydraulic tool comprising: a tool housing, wherein the tool housing includes a base extending from the tool housing and defined by a first aperture and a second aperture on opposite sides of the base; a head at a first end of the tool housing, wherein the head exerts a mechanical force on a workpiece; and a display system, wherein the display system comprises: a first section, wherein the first section includes a lens extending through the first aperture of the base; and a printed circuit board with a non-RGB LED and an RGB LED arranged under the same lens, wherein the non-RGB LED and the RGB LED are arranged to emit light through the same lens. The hydraulic tool of claim 1, wherein the display system further comprises: a second section, wherein the second section comprises a lens extending through the second aperture of the base; and a printed circuit board with an RGB LED arranged under the same lens, wherein the RGB LED is arranged to emit light through the same lens to indicate a status of the tool. The hydraulic tool of claim 2, wherein the RGB LED of the first section of the display system emits light through the same lens to indicate a status of the tool, and wherein the non-RGB LED of the first section of the display system emits light through the same lens to illuminate a workpiece during operation of the tool. The hydraulic tool of claim 2, wherein the first section of the display system emits light in a first direction and the second section of the display system emits light in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The hydraulic tool of claim 2, wherein the hydraulic tool is configured such that it: first determines that a cutting, crimping or shearing operation that meets a predetermined criterion has been performed by the head on the workpiece; causes the indicator system to emit a first light color corresponding to the first determination; second determines that a cutting, crimping or shearing operation that meets a predetermined criterion has not been performed by the head on the workpiece; and causes the indicator system to emit a second light color that differs from the first light color and corresponds to the second determination. The hydraulic tool of claim 1, further comprising: a sensor positioned next to the head, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a magnetic field; and wherein the hydraulic tool is configured to activate the display system to provide feedback to a user when the sensor detects the magnetic field above a threshold value. The hydraulic tool of claim 1, wherein the first section of the display system comprises a first lens and a second lens, and wherein the printed circuit board comprises a non-RGB LED and an RGB LED arranged below both the first lens and the second lens. The hydraulic tool of claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board defines a semicircular shape. A method for indicating the status of a hydraulic tool, comprising: providing a hydraulic tool with a housing, a working head coupled to the housing, and a display system comprising a lens with a non-RGB LED and an RGB LED arranged below the lens; performing a work operation on a workpiece using the working head; determining whether the work operation meets a predetermined criterion; and causing the RGB LED to emit light through the lens in a first color if the work operation meets the predetermined criterion, and in a second color different from the first color if the work operation does not meet the predetermined criterion. The method of claim 9, which further comprises: emitting light from the non-RGB LED through the lens to illuminate the workpiece during the work process. The method of claim 10, wherein the non-RGB LED and the RGB LED simultaneously emit light through the lens during the operation. The method of claim 9, wherein the housing includes a base extending from the housing, the base being defined by a first aperture and a second aperture on opposite sides of the base, and wherein the lens extends through the first aperture. The method of claim 9, wherein the non-RGB LED and the RGB LED are mounted on a printed circuit board having a semicircular shape. The method of claim 9, wherein the display system further comprises a second lens positioned on a side of the housing opposite the lens, and wherein the method further comprises: emitting light from a second RGB LED through the second lens simultaneously with emitting light from the RGB LED through the lens. The method of claim 9, which further comprises: causing the RGB LED to blink, pulse or emit light in a predetermined pattern to indicate to a user a status of the hydraulic tool. A display system for a hydraulic tool comprising: a base extending from a housing of the hydraulic tool, the base being defined by a first aperture facing a working head of the hydraulic tool and a second aperture facing away from the working head; a first lens extending through the first aperture; a second lens extending through the second aperture; a first printed circuit board positioned below the first lens, the first printed circuit board comprising a non-RGB LED emitting light through the first lens to illuminate a workpiece, and a first RGB LED emitting light through the first lens to indicate a status of the hydraulic tool;and a second printed circuit board positioned below the second lens, the second printed circuit board having an RGB LED that emits light through the second lens to indicate the status of the hydraulic tool. The display system of claim 16, wherein the first RGB LED of the first printed circuit board and the second RGB LED of the second printed circuit board simultaneously emit light to indicate the status of the hydraulic tool. The display system of claim 16, wherein the first printed circuit board defines a semicircular shape. The display system of claim 16, wherein the first aperture defines an inclined surface and wherein the first lens extends through an opening in the inclined surface. The display system of claim 16, wherein the first lens and the second lens emit light in opposite directions.