Power Tool Accessory Interface for Powered Modular Attachments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tool assemblies lack a standardized and efficient method for attaching and controlling accessory attachments, which limits user customization and functionality, particularly in terms of electrical current management and user input integration.
Innovation Solution
A power tool assembly with a housing, electric motor, battery pack, and electronic control unit, featuring an interface with electrical terminals that allows for removably coupled accessory attachments with matching terminals, enabling electrical connectivity and user input signal processing to control motor current and support additional features like lighting and distance sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standardized interface with electrical terminals is implemented for accessory attachments, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for precise electrical terminal alignment and integration
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is designed as a universal standardized connection system that can accommodate multiple types of accessory attachments (lights, sensors, markers) through a common mounting structure with electrical terminals, allowing one interface design to serve multiple functions and accessory types
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is divided into distinct functional components: a mechanical mounting portion (slot/rail) for structural attachment and electrical terminals for power and signal transmission. This segmentation allows independent optimization of mechanical and electrical functions while maintaining overall system standardization
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical terminals are integrated into the interface for power supply to accessories, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to the need for accurate terminal alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The slot-rail interface structure acts as an intermediary mechanical guide that pre-aligns the accessory attachment with the power tool housing before electrical terminal engagement. The rail fits within the slot to provide lateral and axial positioning, ensuring electrical terminals connect accurately without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing tolerances on the terminals themselves
3Ease of operation
If accessory attachments are removably coupled to the interface, then ease of operation is improved for user customization, but reliability may worsen due to potential connection instability
Solution Approach 1:
The rail of the accessory attachment is nested within the slot of the interface, creating a interlocking relationship where the rail fits snugly within the slot boundaries. This nesting provides mechanical retention forces that secure the accessory during operation while still allowing straightforward insertion and removal by overcoming the retention force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A power tool assembly includes a power tool. The power tool includes a housing, an electric motor supported within the housing, a battery pack coupled to the housing and configured to supply electrical current to the electric motor, an electronic control unit configured to selectively activate the electric motor with electrical current from the battery pack, and an interface on the housing. The interface includes a first plurality of electrical terminals that provide electrical current from the battery pack. The power tool assembly also includes an accessory attachment removably coupled to the interface. The accessory attachment includes a second plurality of electrical terminals that are electrically connectable with the first plurality of electrical terminals when the accessory attachment is coupled to the interface.