Handheld Tool Sensor Isolation From Cooling Air Contamination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hand-held machine tools with capacitive sensors are prone to incorrect detection due to interference from dirt and moisture transported by cooling air, which can lead to malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
The capacitive sensor and control element are partially or completely separated from the main channel containing the drive device, protected from interfering influences such as moisture and dirt, by being arranged in separate channels or chambers within the housing, ensuring they are not exposed to the cooling air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cooling device with a fan is provided to cool the drive device, then the drive device can be cooled effectively, but dirt and moisture are transported by the cooling air flow leading to incorrect detection by the capacitive sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a first region containing the capacitive sensor and a second region containing the drive device and cooling fan. This spatial segmentation isolates the sensor from the cooling air flow that carries dirt and moisture, allowing effective cooling of the drive device while preventing contamination of the sensor and maintaining detection accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If the capacitive sensor is arranged in the grip region to detect user's hand, then the power switch can be enabled, but the sensor is subject to interference from dirt and moisture leading to incorrect detection
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into distinct regions: the capacitive sensor is placed in a first region isolated from the cooling air flow path, while the grip region remains accessible for hand detection. This segmentation allows the sensor to maintain detection functionality while being protected from interference by dirt and moisture carried in the cooling air.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensor is extracted from the grip region and placed in a separate first region within the housing. This extraction removes the sensor from the area affected by cooling air flow containing dirt and moisture, eliminating the source of interference while preserving the hand detection capability through alternative positioning.
3Device complexity
If the sensor element and control element are arranged close to the drive device for compact design, then the device structure is simplified, but they are exposed to moisture and dirt transported in the main channel
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into a first region for the capacitive sensor and control element, and a second region for the drive device. This segmentation creates physical separation that protects the sensor and control elements from moisture and dirt in the cooling air flow, while maintaining a compact overall structure through efficient spatial arrangement of the separated regions.
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 separation effectively reduces the risk of incorrect detection by the sensor, enhancing the reliability and functionality of the hand-held machine tool.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor element can absorb a greater electrical charge due to the hand
Implementation Method 2
a cooling device, for example a fan, is provided by means of which a cooling air flow is guided in a main channel provided in a housing of the machine tool to the components to be cooled
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held machine tool (1) is provided including a housing (2), with a drive device for actuating a tool that can be brought into operative connection with the machine tool (1) and a control device (8) for actuating the drive device (4) being provided, and the control device (4) being designed with a control element (10), and at least one capacitive sensor element (32, 33) operatively connected to the control device (10) being provided. The at least one sensor element (32, 33) and/or the control element (10) is at least partially, in particular almost completely separated from a main channel (50) of the machine tool (1) in which the drive device (4) is arranged.