Power Tool Attachment Electrical Component Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power tools with different operating components require distinct power output profiles, leading to increased maintenance costs and storage complexity due to the need for multiple power modules and batteries, as well as safety concerns from incompatible units.

Innovation Solution

A power tool attachment with an electrical arrangement that detects and identifies attached operating components by processing electrical parameters such as resistance values or switch states, allowing the power unit to deliver power according to predetermined operating profiles, ensuring compatible and safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple power modules and batteries are used to support different operating components, then the power output requirements for different operating modes are met, but the maintenance cost increases and storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoidmaintenance cost and storage space
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal power module that can support multiple different operating components through automatic detection and adaptive power delivery. The power module serves multiple functions by identifying attached operating components via electrical parameters and adjusting its output profile accordingly, eliminating the need for separate power modules for different operating modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The power module employs dynamic power delivery by continuously detecting electrical parameters of attached operating components and adjusting its output in real-time. This dynamic adaptation allows a single power module to meet varying power requirements of different operating components without requiring multiple static power modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If different power modules are used for different operating components, then the specific power output requirements are met, but the safety risk increases due to incompatible units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower output profileVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by detecting electrical parameters of attached operating components and using this information to verify compatibility before delivering power. The power module receives feedback about the attached component's identity and adjusts its behavior accordingly, preventing incompatible units from being powered and thus ensuring safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical parameter detection mechanism serves as an intermediary between the power module and operating components. It mediates the interaction by verifying compatibility through electrical characteristics before allowing power transfer, acting as a safety gate that prevents incompatible pairings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single power module is used for different operating components, then the maintenance cost decreases and storage space is reduced, but the ability to meet specific power output requirements for different operating modes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance cost and storage spaceVSAvoidpower output profile
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The power module changes its operational parameters dynamically based on the detected operating component. By monitoring electrical parameters such as resistance values and switching states, the power module adjusts its output voltage, current, and power delivery profile to match the specific requirements of each attached operating component, enabling a single module to replace multiple specialized modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Power

If manual selection of operating profiles is required, then the power output can be adjusted for different components, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoiduser operation
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The power module performs self-service by automatically detecting the attached operating component through electrical parameter analysis and autonomously selecting the appropriate power delivery profile. This eliminates the need for user intervention in profile selection, making the system easier to operate while still meeting the specific power requirements of different components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables efficient operation of power tools with different components using a single power module, reduces maintenance and storage needs, and ensures safe operation by preventing the use of incompatible units, thereby protecting the tool and user.

Implementation Method 1

the power unit is arranged to identify the at least one of the plurality of operating components by processing an electrical parameter of each of the at least one electrical component electrically couple thereto. In an embodiment, the electrical parameter includes a resistance value of the at least one electrical component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3393723B1An attachment for a power tool, a power tool and a method of operating a power tool
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 TTI MACAO COMML OFFSHORE LTD
  • EP3393723B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3393723B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3393723B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An attachment (102) for a power tool (100) comprising an electrical arrangement (104) associated with at least one of a plurality of operating components (106) adapted to cooperate with a power unit (108) of the power tool (100), wherein the power unit (108) is arranged to detect the electrical arrangement (104) so as to identify the at least one of the plurality of operating components (106) attached thereto.