Contact-Free Operator Interface for Handheld Power Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld power tool operator interfaces require physical contact for input detection, which can be inconvenient and unsafe, and struggle to differentiate between voice commands and ambient noise.
Innovation Solution
A contact-free operator interface with voice and acoustic sensors for detecting voice commands, a filter unit to separate voice commands from ambient noise, and a projector unit for projecting virtual control elements, along with an optical sensor for detecting virtual input, enabling convenient and safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical contact control elements are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation and safety deteriorate due to inconvenience and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based control elements with contactless sensing technology. The operator interface detects operator inputs without physical contact, substituting mechanical interaction with optical or other non-contact sensing mechanisms, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining acceptable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism between the operator and the control system. Instead of direct mechanical contact, an intermediate field (optical, electromagnetic, or other sensing field) mediates the interaction, allowing contactless detection of operator inputs while managing system complexity
2Ease of operation
If voice sensors are added for contact-free detection, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operator interface is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting voice commands, detecting gestures, and potentially other contactless input methods. This multi-functionality consolidates various control capabilities into a single unified interface, improving ease of operation while managing device complexity through functional integration
3Ease of operation
If voice sensors are used to detect voice commands, then ease of operation improves, but measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in differentiating voice commands from ambient noise
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms to continuously monitor and analyze acoustic signals. By comparing detected signals against expected voice command patterns and adjusting detection parameters in real-time, the system improves its ability to distinguish voice commands from ambient noise, thereby maintaining measurement precision while preserving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system dynamically adjusts parameters such as sensitivity thresholds, frequency ranges, and pattern recognition criteria based on ambient conditions. This adaptive parameter adjustment enables the system to maintain high measurement precision for voice command detection across varying environmental noise levels
4Ease of operation
If multiple sensors are added for contact-free detection, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (voice detection, gesture detection, and potentially other contactless sensing) into a single integrated operator interface. This merging of functions into one unified system improves ease of operation by providing diverse contactless control options while managing device complexity through integration rather than separate independent systems
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
Enables improved handling and reliable acquisition of voice commands, minimizing interference from ambient noise and allowing for flexible and safe operation of handheld power tools.
Implementation Method 1
the operator interface has at least one voice sensor, which is provided to record at least one voice command from the operator
Implementation Method 2
it is proposed that the operating device has at least one acoustic sensor, which is intended to record at least one ambient noise
Implementation Method 3
an optical sensor for detecting virtual input
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating device for a hand-held power tool (12a; 12b; 12c), comprising an operator interface (14a; 14b; 14c) designed to capture at least one user input for controlling the hand-held power tool (12a; 12b; 12c). It is proposed that the operator interface (14a; 14b; 14c) be designed to capture the at least one user input without physical contact.