Single LED Illumination and Battery Notification in Impact Drivers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric power tools, such as rechargeable impact drivers, have complex and costly electric wiring due to separate LEDs for illumination and battery level notification, hindering compactification.
Innovation Solution
A single LED is used for both illumination and battery level notification, with lenses for diffusion and projection, allowing the LED to serve multiple functions and simplify wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate LEDs are provided for illumination function and notification function, then each function can be performed reliably, but electric wiring becomes complicated and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by making a single LED perform both illumination and notification functions. The LED is configured to emit light forward for illumination and laterally for notification, allowing one component to replace what would traditionally require separate LEDs and their associated wiring for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the illumination function and notification function into a single LED component. By integrating both functions into one light emitter, the patent eliminates the need for separate wiring circuits for each LED, thereby simplifying the overall electric wiring structure while maintaining both functional requirements.
2Reliability
If separate LEDs are provided for illumination function and notification function, then each function can be performed reliably, but the electric power tool size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by making a single LED perform both illumination and notification functions. The LED is configured to emit light forward for illumination and laterally for notification, allowing one component to replace what would traditionally require separate LEDs and their associated wiring for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the illumination function and notification function into a single LED component. By integrating both functions into one light emitter, the patent eliminates the need for separate wiring circuits for each LED, thereby simplifying the overall electric wiring structure while maintaining both functional requirements.
3Device complexity
If a single LED is used for multiple functions, then electric wiring is simplified and cost is reduced, but visibility and function recognition may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the light emission directions into distinct segments: forward emission for illumination and lateral emission for notification. This spatial segmentation allows the single LED to clearly differentiate between its two functions through directionality, ensuring that each function remains recognizable despite using a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different emission characteristics to different parts of the LED's light output. The forward-directed light provides illumination with appropriate intensity and direction, while the laterally-directed light provides notification visibility. This local differentiation in emission quality ensures clear function recognition.
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 configuration reduces costs, enables downsizing, and provides clear notification of battery level decrease, improving visibility and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an LED serving as a light emitter is provided in a housing
Implementation Method 2
lenses are diffusion lenses
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In a rechargeable impact driver (1), a light unit (17) provided in an extension portion (16) of a housing (2) is provided with a substrate (18), an LED (19) disposed on the substrate (18) so as to face forward, and a lens (20) provided in front of the LED (19). The LED (19) is used for an illumination function to irradiate ahead of a bit by lighting and for a notification function to notify a decrease in a battery level of a battery pack (7) by flashing on and off.