Integrated Lens Light Pipe for Handheld Power Tool Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld power tools with electronic displays and indicator lights face challenges in protecting the display devices from mechanical abuse and efficiently transmitting light signals in confined spaces, often requiring separate protective lenses and light pipes which can be costly and prone to dislodgment.
Innovation Solution
A handheld power tool design featuring an integral, light transmissive lens member with a cover portion to protect the display device and a light pipe portion to transmit light externally, which is monolithic and includes mounting features for secure coupling to the housing, allowing for unitary molding and simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate protective lenses and light pipes are used, then the display device is protected and light transmission is achieved, but the device complexity increases and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective lens and light pipe into a single integrated optical component. This merged structure performs both functions simultaneously - protecting the display device while transmitting light from LEDs to the exterior, thereby reducing assembly complexity and eliminating the need for separate mounting of multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical component serves multiple functions within a single structure: it acts as a protective cover for the display device, functions as a light pipe for LED light transmission, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the human-machine interface assembly.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for display protection and light transmission, then each function is performed adequately, but the number of parts increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective lens and light pipe into a single integrated optical component. This reduces the number of parts from two separate components to one, simplifying manufacturing and assembly while maintaining both protective and light transmission functions effectively.
3Reliability
If separate protective lens and light pipe components are used, then adequate protection and light transmission are achieved, but assembly time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the protective lens and light pipe into a single component, the assembly process is simplified from installing multiple separate parts to installing one unified optical component. This reduces assembly time and increases productivity while the integrated design ensures stable, reliable assembly with fewer alignment and mounting steps.
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 solution provides effective protection for the display device and efficient light transmission, enhancing durability and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining a compact, cost-effective human-machine interface.
Implementation Method 1
a light pipe portion positioned and configured to transmit light emitted from the at least one light source to a location on the handheld power tool visible exteriorly of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld power tool includes a housing, a display device mounted on the housing, at least one light source mounted in the housing, and an integral, light transmissive lens member. The lens member includes a cover portion covering the display device to protect the display device from the environment, and a light pipe portion positioned and configured to transmit light emitted from the at least one light source to a location on the handheld power tool visible exteriorly of the housing.