Driving Tool Controller Sleep Mode for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driving tools consume unnecessary electric current when not in use, leading to increased power consumption and reduced battery life in cordless tools.
Innovation Solution
A driving tool with a controller that switches between an electric-current supplying mode and a reduced current mode based on the motor's operation state, using a microcomputer to detect switch states and motor operation, and reducing current to non-essential components when idle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If electric current is continuously supplied to the controller circuit to ensure immediate readiness for operation, then the response time and operational readiness are improved, but the power consumption increases during idle periods
Solution Approach 1:
The controller circuit dynamically switches between two operational states: a first state where the motor-drive unit is enabled and current flows to all control units for immediate response, and a second state where the motor-drive unit is disabled and current to non-essential control units is reduced or cut off. This dynamic state transition resolves the contradiction by adapting power consumption levels to actual operational needs while maintaining the capability for rapid response when triggered.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameter (current supply level) to the controller circuit based on operational state. During idle periods, current is reduced or cut off to non-essential units; during operation, full current is restored. This parameter change allows the system to balance between power consumption and operational readiness, resolving the technical contradiction.
2Reliability
If the controller maintains full operational capability during idle periods, then operational reliability is improved, but battery life is reduced due to continuous power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts its operational state based on whether the motor is currently operating. When the motor is stopped, the controller transitions to a low-power state where non-essential control units have reduced or cut-off current supply. When the motor operates, full power is restored. This dynamic adaptation maintains operational reliability during actual use while extending battery life during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors the motor operation state autonomously and automatically adjusts its own power consumption accordingly. By detecting when the motor is stopped and autonomously reducing current to non-essential units, the system serves itself to optimize battery life without external intervention, while maintaining full reliability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A driving tool, such as a nailer, includes an electric motor, a crank mechanism driven by the electric motor, and a control apparatus for driving the electric motor. A crank-angle detection or calculation unit (109E) detects the crank angle of the crank mechanism or the motor in order to detect the operation state of the electric motor and a stopped time period of the motor is calculated from the crank angle. A sleep-control unit (109A) switches the driving tool between a sleep mode and a drive-enabled mode. If the stopped time period of the electric motor exceeds a prescribed time period, then the sleep-control unit (109A) switches the driving tool to the sleep mode. In the sleep mode, the electric current supplied to one or more of the control units constituting the control apparatus is reduced or cut off, thereby reducing the power consumption of the driving tool.