Pole-Attached Power Tool Motor Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pole-attached power tools are unwieldy and difficult to operate due to the length of the pole, weight, and limited power of gasoline or electric motors, making them challenging to use in hard-to-access environments.

Innovation Solution

A pole-attached power tool system with a more powerful electric motor positioned proximate to the handle, a larger battery, and a longer drivetrain, which improves balance and stability, allowing for better control and power performance comparable to gas-powered tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a longer pole is used to extend user reach, then the tool can access hard-to-reach environments, but the tool becomes unwieldy and difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepole lengthVSAvoidhandleability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the electric motor proximate to the handle (first end of pole) rather than at the tool end (second end), changing the spatial dimension of motor placement. This repositioning shifts the weight distribution and balance point along the pole's length, improving handleability while preserving the extended reach capability of the long pole configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Power

If a more powerful motor is used to increase power output, then the tool achieves gas-powered performance levels, but the weight and balance of the tool deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor power outputVSAvoidtool weight
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent relocates the electric motor from the traditional tool-end position to the handle-end position along the pole's length. This spatial repositioning allows a more powerful motor to be installed without concentrating excessive weight at the far end, thereby maintaining better balance and weight distribution while achieving gas-powered performance levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

By positioning the motor proximate to the handle, the patent creates a counterbalancing effect where the motor's weight near the user's hand offsets the weight of the tool head at the far end of the pole. This counterweight arrangement improves overall tool balance, making it easier to maneuver despite the increased power output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Loss of energy

If the motor is positioned near the tool end to reduce drivetrain length, then power transfer efficiency improves, but the tool becomes unbalanced and harder to control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrivetrain energy lossVSAvoidtool control
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spatial dimension of motor placement from the tool end to the handle end of the pole. This repositioning accepts a longer drivetrain as a trade-off to achieve superior balance and control, with the motor's strategic location near the user's hand providing better maneuverability that compensates for the increased drivetrain length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 system provides improved handleability and power performance, allowing users to easily maneuver the tool in tight spaces and maintain balance, reducing user fatigue and increasing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an electric motor disposed proximate to the first end of the pole... the drive member mechanically coupled with the electric motor and the power tool to transfer power generated by the electric motor to the power tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2845691B1Pole-attached power tool system
Publication Date: 2016.08.03 BLOUNT INC
  • EP2845691B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2845691B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2845691B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Embodiments of a pole-attached power tool system, and related methods, are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a pole-attached power tool system may include a pole having a first end, a second end, and an interior region; a handle disposed proximate to the first end of the pole; an electric motor disposed proximate to the first end of the pole; a power tool disposed proximate to the second end of the pole; and a drive member disposed within the interior region, the drive member mechanically coupled with the electric motor and the power tool to transfer power generated by the electric motor to the power tool.