Adaptive Brake Control for Portable Machine Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tool devices lack adaptive braking mechanisms that can dynamically adjust to various operating parameters, leading to potential safety hazards and inefficiencies in portable machine tools like angle grinders, chainsaws, and drills, which are not adequately addressed by current technologies.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool device with a detection unit that includes multiple sensors for real-time monitoring of parameters such as drive, speed, torque, wear, kickback, position, and temperature, allowing for automatic and dynamic adjustment of the braking function to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a constant braking torque is applied to the machining tool, then the braking function is simple to implement, but it causes abrupt and non-variable braking that reduces operational safety and comfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidbraking control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The braking torque is made dynamically variable instead of constant. The braking unit adjusts the braking torque based on detected operating parameters (speed, load, temperature) to provide smooth and controlled braking that adapts to different operating conditions, thereby improving operational safety without requiring overly complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A feedback control mechanism is implemented where sensors detect operating parameters (speed, load, temperature) and feed this information back to the braking control unit. The controller continuously adjusts the braking torque based on this feedback, enabling adaptive braking that responds to changing operating conditions and improves safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors and adaptive control systems are added to detect and respond to operating parameters, then operational safety and braking adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking adaptabilityVSAvoidsensor and control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The braking control system is designed to perform multiple functions: speed control, load adaptation, temperature monitoring, and emergency stopping. By making the braking unit multi-functional, the system achieves high adaptability to different operating conditions without adding separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple sensing functions (speed detection, load detection, temperature detection) are integrated into a unified control architecture. The braking control unit consolidates processing of multiple sensor inputs and coordinates braking responses, merging what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If dynamic adaptation of braking function is implemented based on detected characteristic variables, then braking precision and operational comfort are improved, but response time and control complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational comfortVSAvoidbraking response time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors operating parameters (speed, load, temperature) before braking is actually required. This preliminary detection and pre-processing of sensor data allows the braking control unit to be prepared to respond immediately when braking is needed, reducing actual response time while maintaining adaptive braking benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical braking control mechanisms with electronic/sensor-based detection and control. Electronic sensing and control systems can process information and actuate braking much faster than mechanical systems, improving response time while enabling sophisticated adaptive control algorithms.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3684546B1Machine tool device for open-loop and/or closed-loop control of at least one machine tool function of a machine tool
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3684546B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3684546B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a machine tool device (10) for open-loop and/or closed-loop control of at least one machine tool function of a machine tool (12), in particular a portable machine tool (12), comprising at least one detection unit (16) for detecting at least one characteristic variable of the machine tool (12) and/or of a processing tool (14) arranged on the machine tool (12). According to the invention, the machine tool device (10) comprises at least one brake unit (18), wherein at least one brake function of the brake unit (18) can be adapted at least partially automatically, in particular dynamically, depending on the at least one detected characteristic variable.