Cordless Power Tool Control Circuit for Screw Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tools require a connection to a controller via a power cord to monitor screw tightening operations, limiting the working area and efficiency, especially with cordless tools, and may result in incomplete assembly due to operator forgetfulness.
Innovation Solution
A power tool with a control circuit embedded in its main body that includes a screw tightening completion detection unit, count unit, setting unit, and notification unit, allowing for independent monitoring of screw tightening operations without a power cord, featuring a detachable battery pack and safety features to prevent data changes and conserve battery power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power tool is connected to a controller via a power cord to enable monitoring functions, then the reliability of screw tightening monitoring is improved, but the ease of operation and working area freedom deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is integrated into the power tool main body, combining the monitoring function and power supply into a single unit. This eliminates the need for external controller connection via power cord, providing both reliable monitoring and complete working area freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The power tool main body serves multiple functions: it acts as both the driving tool and the control unit for monitoring screw tightening operations. The control circuit within the main body performs counting, detection, and notification functions, making the tool self-sufficient without external dependencies.
2Measurement precision
If the control circuit continuously operates to monitor screw tightening operations, then the measurement precision of tightening count is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit operates periodically rather than continuously. It activates during screw tightening operations to count and detect completions, then enters a low-power state when not in use. This periodic operation maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing overall battery power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit automatically activates and deactivates based on operational needs. The trigger switch controls power supply to the control circuit, which self-regulates its operation to coincide with actual tightening tasks, eliminating the need for continuous power consumption while maintaining accurate counting.
Data Source
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AI summary
A power tool includes a driving unit for performing screw tightening operations; a motor for rotatably driving the driving unit; a trigger switch for turning on and off the motor; and a control circuit, accommodated in a main body of the power tool, for monitoring the screw tightening operations. The control circuit having a screw tightening completion detection unit for detecting completion of a screw tightening operation, a screw tightening count unit for counting the number of detected tightening operations, a screw tightening number setting unit for presetting the number of screws to be tightened, a screw tightening completion notifying unit for notifying completion of the screw tightening operations when the number of detected tightening operations reaches the preset number of screws.