Power Tool Actuator Acoustic Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication facilities for electric power tools require additional transmission components for wireless data transmission, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing the electric actuator and control unit to generate acoustic signals picked up by a microphone, forming a transmission unit that leverages existing components within the power tool for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate transmission facility is integrated into the power tool for wireless data transmission, then data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric actuator is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its primary actuation function and a secondary data transmission function. The control unit modulates the actuator's operation to generate acoustic signals that encode data, allowing the same component to serve dual purposes without requiring a dedicated transmission facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The power tool uses its own existing components (electric actuator and control unit) to perform the data transmission function autonomously. The control unit processes and modulates the actuator's operation to self-generate the transmission signals, eliminating the need for external or separate transmission hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate transmission facility is integrated into the power tool, then data transmission capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric actuator is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its primary actuation function and a secondary data transmission function. The control unit modulates the actuator's operation to generate acoustic signals that encode data, allowing the same component to serve dual purposes without requiring a dedicated transmission facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses inexpensive, readily available components (microphone and existing control unit) to implement the transmission function. The solution avoids costly specialized transmission hardware by using standard off-the-shelf components that can be easily integrated during manufacturing.
3Device complexity
If the electric actuator is triggered to generate acoustic signals for data transmission, then data transmission is achieved using existing components, but the actuator's primary function may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit employs periodic modulation of the electric actuator to encode data in acoustic signals. By using timed, periodic variations in the actuator's operation that are distinct from its normal continuous operation, the system can transmit information without interfering with the actuator's primary function. The periodic signaling allows clear separation between data transmission and actuation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit segments the actuator's operation into distinct operational modes: normal actuation mode for primary function and modulation mode for data transmission. This segmentation allows the system to switch between functions as needed, ensuring that data transmission operations do not compromise the reliability of the actuator's primary actuation function.
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
This approach eliminates the need for additional transmission components, providing a compact and cost-effective solution for wireless data transmission from the power tool to a separate facility, ensuring operational safety and high-resolution information transfer.
Implementation Method 1
the electric actuator is an electric magnetic actuator that, for example, actuates a valve or the like
Implementation Method 2
the control unit, together with the electric actuator, forms the transmission unit, and for the purpose of transmitting data triggers the electric actuator to generate an acoustic signal
Data Source
AI summary
A communication unit for an electrical machine, in particular a hand-held machine tool, includes at least one electrical actuator, a control unit configured to control the at least one electrical actuator, and a receiving unit assigned to a mobile or stationary unit. The at least one electrical actuator and the control unit together form a transmission unit. The transmission unit is configured to transmit data, and the receiving unit is configured to receive the data. The receiving unit includes at least one microphone. To transmit data, via the transmission unit, the control unit is configured to trigger the electrical actuator to generate an acoustic signal that is detectable by the at least one microphone.