Hydraulic Tool Indicator Light for Crimp Completion Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic tools lack effective user feedback mechanisms to determine whether a proper crimp, shear, or cut has been performed on a work piece, especially in challenging work site conditions where visual inspection is difficult.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an indicator light system that emits different colors based on predetermined criteria, such as pressure, distance, or duration of operation, to provide real-time feedback on the completion of the operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual inspection is used to determine proper crimp, shear, or cut, then the tool structure remains simple, but the user cannot reliably determine whether the work piece has been properly processed in challenging work site conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by providing visual indicators (lights) that communicate the result of the work operation back to the user. The controller monitors operational parameters and activates indicators to show whether the crimp, shear, or cut was successful, creating a closed-loop feedback system that resolves the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color changes in visual indicators (different colored lights) to communicate different operational outcomes. This provides reliable feedback about work operation success through intuitive color-coded signals, addressing the reliability issue while maintaining relatively simple tool structure through the use of standard indicator components.
2Loss of information
If no indicator system is used, then the tool is simpler and cheaper, but the user lacks real-time feedback on operation completion
Solution Approach 1:
The control system monitors operational parameters such as pressure, distance, or duration and provides feedback through visual indicators. This feedback mechanism prevents information loss about operation success while keeping the control system relatively simple by using straightforward monitoring and indicator activation logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions: it monitors operational parameters, determines whether operational criteria are met, and activates appropriate visual indicators. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still providing comprehensive information feedback.
3Ease of operation
If the indicator light is positioned at the head of the tool, then the feedback is most direct, but the light may be difficult to see in certain work site conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the indicator light at the opposite end of the tool body from the head, utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the tool. This alternative positioning ensures the indicator is visible to the user regardless of work site conditions or tool orientation, resolving the contradiction between direct feedback and visibility by changing the spatial dimension of indicator placement.
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
Enhances user confidence by providing clear visual feedback on the success of crimping, shearing, or cutting operations, regardless of the work site conditions, ensuring consistent and reliable tool performance.
Implementation Method 1
An indicator light can be positioned at the second end of the tool body. The controller can cause the indicator light to emit a first light emission when the predetermined criterion is satisfied and cause the indicator light to emit a second light emission when the predetermined criterion is not satisfied.
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool includes a tool body defining a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a head positioned at the first end of the tool body, an indicator light positioned at the second end of the tool body, a first actuator that is actuated to cause the head to perform a work operation, and a controller that monitors a predetermined criterion based on comparing a characteristic of the head to a threshold value. The controller causes the indicator light to emit a first light emission when the predetermined criterion is satisfied and causes the indicator light to emit a second light emission when the predetermined criterion is not satisfied. The second light emission is different from the first light emission.