Multi-Faceted Lens for Wide-Angle Power Tool Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional indication devices in power tools often lack visibility, as the operator must focus on the workpiece and may not be able to see the light indication due to its location, which restricts reaction to the signal, especially in certain working positions.
Innovation Solution
An indication device with a casing, electric light source, and a light transmitting lens that includes a reflector, where the lens emits light over a wide angle, typically 90° or more, to ensure visibility from various tool positions, using a single or multiple lenses and a snap-fitted reflector for a compact and reliable construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the indication device is located on a part of the tool that is not viewable for the operator in certain working positions, then the device structure can be simplified, but the visibility of the light indication deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by changing the light emission from a single direction to multiple directions through a multi-faceted lens structure. The lens is divided into multiple facets that emit light in different angular directions, transforming a one-dimensional light emission into a multi-dimensional emission pattern that is visible from various working positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the lens into multiple facets or surfaces, each responsible for emitting light in a specific direction. This segmentation allows the single lens structure to provide coverage in multiple angular ranges, ensuring visibility from different working positions without requiring multiple separate light sources or complex mounting structures.
2Measurement precision
If the operator keeps eyes focused on the workpiece, then work precision is improved, but the ability to react to light indication deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by emitting light in multiple angular dimensions simultaneously. The multi-faceted lens structure distributes light emission across different angles, allowing the indication to be visible even when the operator's attention is focused on the workpiece, thereby maintaining both work precision and indication visibility.
3Device complexity
If a single light source is used, then device complexity is reduced, but visibility over wide angle interval deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single light source's output through a multi-faceted lens structure. Although only one light source is used, the lens is divided into multiple facets that redirect the light in different directions, effectively creating multiple light emission paths from a single source, thus achieving wide-angle visibility without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-faceted lens acts as an intermediary between the single light source and the operator. It receives light from the single source and redistributes it across multiple angles, serving as a light-guiding element that expands the visibility range without requiring multiple independent light sources.
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 improved visibility of the indication signal across a wide range, ensuring the operator can react to the signal from multiple angles without needing to adjust their focus, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one lens is arranged to emit light in multiple directions which are separated by an angle of at least 90 degrees along the casing
Implementation Method 2
The planar shape of the lens will make sure that the light is transmitted with as little losses as possible from the light emitting portion of the reflector to the outer surface of the lens
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an indication device (11) for a power tool (10), comprising a casing (12), an electric light source (13), and at least one light transmitting lens (14). The indication device (11) comprises a reflector (15) in which the electric light source (13) is at least partly comprised. The lens (14) has a planar shape extending from an inner surface (16) facing a light emitting portion (17) of the reflector (15) to an outer surface (18) adapted to extend through at least one slot shaped opening (19) in the casing (12), wherein the lens (14) is arranged to emit light in multiple directions which are separated by an angle of at least 90 degrees along the casing (12) to provide a light signal that is visible from different angles of the indication device.