Modular Hand-Held Tool Sensor System With Detachable Function Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held tool systems lack modularity and adaptability, limiting the expansion of sensor functionality and protection, especially when used with various hand-held power tools and in different operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A modular hand-held tool system with a mobile sensor device that can be detachably connected to function devices, featuring a communication unit, sensor system, and optional sensor units, allowing for variable functionality and enhanced protection through a modular design, including a fastening unit and housing unit for secure attachment and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed non-modular sensor device is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability and functionality expansion capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is divided into a base unit and detachable function devices. The base unit contains essential components (communication unit, sensor system, energy storage means), while function devices can be attached to expand specific functionalities. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity when basic functionality is needed while enabling complexity only when required through modular additions.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed with universal interfaces and communication protocols that can work with multiple types of function devices. The communication unit can exchange data with various hand-held power tools and different sensor functions, making the base unit versatile. This universality allows one base unit to support multiple applications by simply changing the attached function device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized sensor devices are provided for different applications, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing multiple complete specialized sensor devices, the system segments functionality into a shared base unit and specialized function devices. Users only need to invest in one base unit and can attach different function devices as needed, reducing the total number of components compared to having multiple complete specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit merges common functionalities (communication, power management, data processing) that are shared across all applications. By combining these common functions in one unit, the system eliminates redundancy and reduces the total component count while maintaining the ability to provide application-specific functionality through attached function devices.
3Reliability
If the sensor device is integrated into the hand-held power tool, then the protection and stability are improved, but the mobility and ease of attachment to different tools are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the sensor device from the hand-held power tool, with the base unit serving as an independent mobile device. This segmentation allows the sensor device to be detached and attached to different tools while maintaining its own protective housing and stability through alternative attachment methods (clipping, latching, tying to work clothing or arm-band).
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held tool system includes at least one mobile sensor device. The mobile sensor device has at least one base unit and at least one communication unit. The communication unit is configured to communicate with the hand-held power tool. The hand-held tool system further includes at least one function device configured to be detachably connected to the mobile sensor device such that a functionality of the mobile sensor device is expanded.