Power Tool Camera Verification of Detachable Accessory Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tools do not effectively utilize image data from cameras to determine the state of detachable accessories, such as auxiliary handles and covers, which can impact work environment and safety.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a camera and an AI unit in the power tool to process image data and determine the state of detachable accessories, such as auxiliary handles and covers, using a trained model generated by machine learning to ensure proper mounting and grip, and controlling tool operation accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If image data from a camera is captured in a power tool, then the ability to identify work objects is improved, but the utilization of captured image data for determining accessory state is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures images with the camera, processes them through AI/ML to determine accessory mounting state, and uses this feedback information to control power tool operation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that captured image data is fully utilized to prevent unsafe operation and provide real-time status monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The power tool system performs self-diagnosis by using its own camera and AI processing capabilities to automatically detect whether accessories are properly mounted. The system serves itself by eliminating the need for external monitoring devices or manual checking, thereby fully utilizing the captured image data for safety control.
2Ease of operation
If accessories such as auxiliary handles and covers are detachably mounted on the power tool, then the adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but the safety risk increases when accessories are not properly mounted
Solution Approach 1:
Before the power tool operates, the system performs preliminary verification by capturing images and using AI/ML to confirm that accessories are properly mounted. This preliminary action prevents unsafe operation from occurring in the first place, allowing the system to maintain both ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary anti-action by preventing the power tool from operating when accessories are not properly mounted. The AI-based detection system identifies improper mounting conditions and blocks operation, thereby counteracting the potential safety risks before they can manifest during tool use.
3Measurement precision
If an AI unit with camera and image processing capability is added to the power tool, then the ability to detect accessory state is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AI unit and camera serve multiple functions: they detect accessory mounting state, identify work objects, and provide real-time monitoring. By making these components multi-functional, the system achieves high measurement precision for accessory state detection without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as the same hardware serves multiple purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool is configured such that at least one accessory is mountable in a detachable manner. The power tool includes at least one camera and a determining part. The at least one accessory may be an auxiliary handle and/or a cover, which at least partially covers a tool accessory mounted on the power tool in a detachable manner. The determining part is configured to perform image processing on image data output from the at least one camera and to determine whether the state of the at least one accessory is normal based on at least whether the at least one accessory is mounted on the power tool.