Magnetic Power Tool Interface for Precise Speed and Direction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tools lack an efficient and intuitive user interface that allows for precise control of operational characteristics such as motor speed and direction, often relying on complex mechanical switches and sensors.
Innovation Solution
A power tool design incorporating a housing with a motor, a first user input device (multi-position switch) and a second user input device (trigger), a controller, and a circuit board with sensors to sense the positions and displacements of these input devices, allowing for precise control of motor operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanical switches and sensors are used for control, then operational control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical switches with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Magnets are positioned on moving components (trigger, multi-position switch), and their positions are detected by magnetic sensors (such as Hall effect sensors or reed switches) mounted on the circuit board. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical contact systems while providing precise positional detection for controlling motor speed and direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board integrates multiple sensing functions into a single platform. The same circuit board hosts magnetic sensors that detect positions of both the trigger and multi-position switch, consolidating what would traditionally require separate mechanical switching systems. This multi-functional integration reduces overall device complexity while maintaining full operational control capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are positioned on the same side of the circuit board, then sensing accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple magnetic sensors onto a single circuit board, positioning them all on one side to face the magnets on the moving components. This consolidation approach improves sensing accuracy by providing multiple detection points in close proximity, while the shared mounting surface and standardized board layout facilitate manufacturing processes compared to distributing sensors across multiple components or sides.
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 enables precise control of motor speed and direction, improving user interface efficiency and reducing mechanical complexity, while ensuring accurate sensing and operational control.
Implementation Method 1
The first sensor is configured to sense a plurality of distinct positions of the first user input device
Implementation Method 2
The second sensor is configured to sense a displacement along the second axis of the second user input device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A power tool includes a housing, a motor, a first user input device, a second user input device, a controller, and a circuit board. The motor is disposed at least partially within the housing. The first input device is partially disposed within the housing and is configured to move along a first axis. The second input device is also partially disposed within the housing and is configured to move along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. The controller is configured to control an operational characteristic of the motor. The circuit board is connected to the controller. The circuit board includes a first sensor and a second sensor on a first side of the circuit board. The first sensor is configured to sense a plurality of distinct positions of the first user input device. The second sensor is configured to sense a displacement along the second axis.