Cordless Screwdriver Actuation Unit Angled Signal Transmitter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand-held power tools, such as cordless screwdrivers, face challenges in user comfort and compact design, particularly in accessing difficult-to-reach locations due to the alignment and movement of actuation and signal generator units.

Innovation Solution

The actuation unit has an actuation element movably mounted in a first direction, while the signal generator unit has a signal generator element movably mounted in a second direction, differing from the first, allowing for a compact and versatile design by angling the actuation surface and receiving surface to facilitate intuitive operation and secure guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the actuation element and signal generator element are aligned in the same direction, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the tool size is larger and less suitable for difficult-to-reach locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool sizeVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by orienting the actuation element and signal generator element in different directions (first direction and second direction respectively) rather than aligning them in the same direction. This spatial reconfiguration reduces the tool's overall footprint and volume, making it more compact and suitable for difficult-to-reach locations while maintaining functional simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the actuation element is made movable in multiple directions, then the tool can be used in more positions and orientations, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusage positionsVSAvoidactuation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by using directional orientation of the actuation element and signal generator element in different directions rather than making the actuation element movable in multiple directions. This approach achieves versatility in usage positions through spatial configuration rather than mechanical complexity, keeping the actuation mechanism simple while allowing the tool to be used in various orientations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3646992B1Hand machine tool
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3646992B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3646992B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3646992B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A hand-held power tool (100), in particular a cordless screwdriver, is disclosed, comprising a hand-held power tool housing (110), a tool axis (112), a drive unit (120) for driving a tool holder (128), and an actuating unit (160) for actuating a signal transmitter unit (170), wherein the signal transmitter unit (170) is configured to activate the drive unit (120). It is proposed that the actuating unit (160) has at least one actuating element (162) movably mounted in a first direction (102), and that the signal transmitter unit (170) has at least one signal transmitter element (172) movably mounted in a second direction (104), wherein the first direction (102) is different from the second direction (104).