Electronic Spindle Lock Using Motor Counter-Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power tools with mechanical spindle locks add length, cost, and complexity to the design due to the inclusion of a mechanical component between the power tool drivetrain and the chuck.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an electronic spindle lock system that controls the power tool motor to resist or inhibit movement of the drivetrain by detecting rotation of the bit receiving portion and counter-rotating the motor in the opposite direction, eliminating the need for a mechanical spindle lock.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical spindle lock is added between the power tool drivetrain and the chuck, then the drivetrain can be locked during chuck rotation, but the overall design length, cost, and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrivetrain locking capabilityVSAvoidmechanical component complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical spindle lock system with an electronic control system. The motor controller detects rotation of the bit receiving portion and automatically controls the motor to counter-rotate, providing the same drivetrain locking function without mechanical lock components. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical locks, levers, and associated linkages, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The motor serves multiple functions: it drives the bit receiving portion during normal operation and simultaneously acts as a spindle lock when rotation is detected. By programming the motor controller to detect rotation and automatically counter-rotate, the motor becomes a multi-functional component that eliminates the need for dedicated mechanical locking components, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a mechanical spindle lock is added between the power tool drivetrain and the chuck, then the drivetrain can be locked during chuck rotation, but the overall design cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrivetrain locking capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive mechanical locking components with software-based control logic. The motor controller uses existing sensors and motor actuation capabilities to provide locking functionality, eliminating the need for specialized mechanical parts that would increase manufacturing cost. This approach leverages existing electronic components to achieve the same function more economically.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own existing components (motor, controller, sensors) to provide the locking function without requiring external or additional specialized components. The motor controller self-manages the locking operation by detecting rotation and automatically controlling motor counter-rotation, eliminating the need for separate mechanical locking mechanisms and reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the motor continuously monitors for rotation to maintain spindle lock, then the drivetrain remains locked, but battery life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespindle lock maintenanceVSAvoidbattery consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous motor operation, the system uses periodic sensing and event-driven response. The controller periodically checks for rotation signals and only activates the motor when rotation is detected. This periodic monitoring and event-based activation maintains the spindle lock function while significantly reducing battery consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from rotation sensors to trigger motor activation only when needed. The controller continuously monitors for rotation signals and activates the motor in response to detected rotation events. This feedback-based control ensures the drivetrain remains locked when necessary while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the motor inactive during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Reduces the overall design length, cost, and complexity of power tools by replacing mechanical spindle locks with an electronic system that maintains a static rotational position and conserves battery life through sleep modes and wake-up signals.

Implementation Method 1

a motor within the housing configured to rotate the bit receiving portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

the rotation of the bit receiving portion in the first direction is detected based on sensing a parameter indicating rotation of the bit receiving portion. In some aspects, the parameter is a rotor position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotor position sensing: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20260097461A1Electronic spindle lock for a power tool
Publication Date: 2026.04.09 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP
  • US20260097461A1 patent drawing
  • US20260097461A1 patent drawing
  • US20260097461A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Electronic spindle lock for a power tool. One embodiment provides a power tool including a housing, a bit receiving portion provided on the housing for receiving a power tool bit, a motor within the housing configured to rotate the bit receiving portion, and a controller coupled to the motor. The controller is configured to enter an electronic spindle lock mode, and detect rotation of the bit receiving portion in a first direction. The controller is also configured to control motor to rotate in a second direction in response to detecting rotation of the bit receiving portion in the first direction.