Electric Hand Tool Tactile Feedback Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrically powered hand tools are silent during stand-by mode, making it difficult for operators to determine if they are turned on, leading to a risk of accidental activation and potential personal or property damage.

Innovation Solution

A safety device that provides tactile feedback to the operator in the form of vibrations, thermal, or electrical sensations, indicating the power status of the tool, which can be combined with visual and auditory feedback, and is activated from the point the tool is turned on until the trigger is pulled, ensuring safe operation and reducing power consumption by automatically switching off if the trigger is not used for a defined time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If electric hand tool operates in silent stand-by mode, then energy consumption is reduced and operation is smooth, but operator cannot detect power status leading to accidental activation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccidental activation riskVSAvoidpower status indication
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a vibration device that generates tactile vibrations in the handle when the tool is in stand-by mode with power ON. This mechanical vibration provides a detectable physical signal to the operator through the handle, enabling them to sense the power status without visual or auditory cues. The vibration ceases when the trigger is activated or power is turned OFF, thus resolving the information loss problem while maintaining silent operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the vibration device provides continuous tactile feedback to the operator about the power status. The control unit monitors the power state and trigger position, and automatically activates or deactivates the vibration feedback accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the operator always knows the power status, preventing accidental activation while consuming minimal energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If tactile feedback is provided continuously from power ON to trigger activation, then operator safety is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic or conditional activation of the vibration device rather than continuous operation. The vibration is activated only during specific periods: when power is ON and trigger is NOT activated (stand-by mode). The vibration automatically stops when the trigger is pulled or power is turned OFF. This periodic action provides necessary safety feedback only when needed, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining operator safety during critical periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by providing vibration feedback only during the stand-by mode with power ON, rather than continuously during all operational states. This partial feedback approach is sufficient to prevent accidental activation (the critical safety need) while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption during active operation or when power is OFF. The feedback is precisely targeted to the situation where it is most needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

The safety device effectively reduces the risk of accidental tool activation by providing clear power status feedback, enhancing operator safety and minimizing power consumption by ensuring the tool is safely and easily operated without unnecessary vibration feedback during use.

Implementation Method 1

the tactile feedback can be provided by a vibration device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS9460869B2Electric hand tool with activation indication device
Publication Date: 2016.10.04 HUSQVARNA AB
  • US9460869B2 patent drawing
  • US9460869B2 patent drawing
  • US9460869B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrically powered hand tool which comprises a device for providing tactile feedback to an operator of the tool. The tool further comprises a user-operated trigger for activating the working member of the tool. The tactile feedback provided by the tool alerts the operator about the activation status of the tool. More specifically, the operator is provided with an indication that the power to the tool is ON. The tactile feedback is provided at least from the time when the power to the tool is turned ON to the point in time when the trigger is pulled to activate the working member of the tool.