Electric Tool Position Verification Using Projected Work Markers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators face inefficiencies in determining correct work positions for electric tools, requiring time and labor, which hampers work efficiency at construction sites.

Innovation Solution

An electric tool system that includes a work position indicator projecting visible light with a converging characteristic to indicate work positions, a tool position detector to determine the relative position of the electric tool, and a tool position decider to ensure accurate placement before work commences, utilizing wireless communication and a construction managing system for managing work progress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If operators visually determine work positions manually, then they can identify work locations, but it requires time and labor leading to low work efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework efficiencyVSAvoidtime to determine work position
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The work position indicator projects visible light to mark work positions in advance before the operator arrives. This preliminary marking of positions eliminates the need for operators to search and determine work locations manually, directly reducing the time and labor required while maintaining accurate position identification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual visual determination process with an optical system. The work position indicator uses projected visible light to automatically mark positions, substituting the operator's manual visual search with an automated optical indication system, thereby improving efficiency and reducing time loss

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

2Measurement precision

If the electric tool operates without position verification, then work can proceed quickly, but accuracy of work position may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework position accuracyVSAvoidwork speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool position detector detects the relative position of the electric tool with respect to the marked work position and provides this information to the tool position decider. This feedback loop allows the system to verify position accuracy before work commences, ensuring precision without significantly delaying the workflow since the verification is automated and rapid

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The tool position decider verifies position accuracy in advance before the electric tool carries out work. This preliminary verification ensures that the tool is correctly positioned on the projected light marker before operation begins, guaranteeing work position accuracy while minimizing time loss through automated pre-checking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary 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

This system enables quick and accurate setting of electric tools on correct work positions, enhancing work efficiency and allowing for rapid indication of next work positions, thereby improving overall construction site productivity.

Implementation Method 1

a work position indicator configured to indicate a work position by projecting visible light having a converging characteristic at a work site

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConverging light: Focusing

Data Source

PatentEP4173757A1Electric tool system, electric tool, method of controlling electric tool, and program
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP4173757A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4173757A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4173757A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Work efficiency when work is carried out, by using an electric tool, on a work position of a work site is improved. An electric tool system (1) includes a work position indicator (3), an electric tool (2), a tool position detector (36), and a tool position decider (384). The electric tool (2) is configured to carry out work on the work position (7) indicated by the visible light (8) from the work position indicator (3). The tool position detector (36) is configured to detect a relative position of the electric tool (2) with respect to the work position (7). The tool position decider (384) is configured to decide whether or not the electric tool (2) is set on the work position (7) with reference to a detection result by the tool position detector (36) before the electric tool (2) carries out the work on the work position (7).