Adapter for Synchronized Power Tool and Vacuum Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Power tools and vacuum devices require separate activation and often have bulky battery forms that hinder their use in narrow spaces and are cumbersome for extended periods, necessitating excessive user intervention and time for operation.
Innovation Solution
An adapter system that allows synchronized operation of two electric devices, such as a sander and a vacuum device, by sharing a battery and using a cable connection, enabling automatic activation and deactivation of both tools with a single operation, allowing the battery to be located away from the user and reducing the weight and form factor of the power tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If each power tool has its own battery pack, then the power tool can operate independently, but the form factor becomes bulky and difficult to use in narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is extracted from the power tool and placed in a separate vacuum device. The power tool becomes battery-less and significantly reduced in size, while the vacuum device serves as the mobile power source through cable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable connection acts as an intermediary between the power tool and vacuum device, enabling power transmission without requiring the battery to be attached to the power tool, thus reducing the power tool's form factor.
2Productivity
If the power tool and vacuum device are separately controlled, then each device can be independently operated, but user intervention increases and operation time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions of the power tool and vacuum device are merged into a single integrated system. The controller in the vacuum device receives signals from the power tool and automatically coordinates the operation of both devices, eliminating the need for separate activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback signals between the power tool and vacuum device to automatically synchronize their operation. When the power tool is activated, it sends a signal to the vacuum device to start, and when the power tool is deactivated, the vacuum device receives a stop signal, creating an automatic response loop.
3Power
If the battery is attached to the power tool, then the power tool has sufficient power, but the weight increases and becomes cumbersome for extended use
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is extracted from the power tool and relocated to the vacuum device. This removes the weight burden from the power tool while maintaining sufficient power supply capability through the cable-connected vacuum device.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
A method of controlling two electric devices for synchronized operations. The method contains the steps of 1) detecting, by a first adapter member (30), that a first electric device connected to the first adapter member (30) draws a first current from a battery connected to either the first adapter member (30) or a second adapter member (26); the first adapter member (30) connected to the second adapter member by a power cable and a data cable; and 2) following a successful detection in Step a), enabling a second current, by the second adapter member (26), to flow from the battery to a second electric device connected to the second adapter member (26). The power tool system and operating method described in the invention allows an automatic, synchronized operations of two or more electric devices.