Power Tool Eco-Indicator for Battery Use Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
User perception of high-voltage battery-powered power tools is different compared to typical 12V or 18V tools, leading to inefficient operation and faster battery discharge or slower workpiece completion due to variability in applied force.
Innovation Solution
A battery-powered power tool with an electric motor, sensors, and an indicator that communicates power consumption to the user, allowing adjustment to reduce power consumption and optimize workpiece completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-voltage battery power is used to increase motor power, then productivity is improved, but user perception of power consumption becomes distorted leading to inefficient operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an eco-indicator that provides real-time visual feedback to the user about motor power consumption levels. The indicator displays different states (e.g., green for efficient, yellow for moderate, red for high consumption) based on the motor's current draw, enabling users to adjust their operating technique to optimize battery life while maintaining productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If user applies variable force to workpiece, then manufacturing precision may improve, but power consumption becomes unoptimized leading to faster battery discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The eco-indicator continuously monitors motor current and provides visual feedback about power consumption efficiency. This enables users to learn and adjust their applied force technique to achieve optimal precision while minimizing energy waste, transforming variable force application from a source of inefficiency into a controlled variable.
3Productivity
If more power is delivered to motor, then productivity increases, but battery discharge rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator system provides real-time information about power consumption intensity, enabling users to make informed decisions about when to apply high power (for productivity-critical moments) and when to use lower power settings (for maintenance or less critical operations), thus optimizing the trade-off between work speed and battery duration.
Data Source
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AI summary
A power tool (10) includes a battery pack (20), one or more sensors (70, 72), an indicator (74), and an electronic processor (62) coupled to the battery pack (20), the one or more sensors (70, 72), and the indicator (74). The electronic processor (62) is configured to: detect, using the one or more sensors (70, 72), one or more parameters of the power tool (10); determine a system performance based on the one or more parameters; determine a system performance level based on the system performance; and provide, using the indicator (74), an indication corresponding to the system performance.