Power Tool Motion Sensing for Multiple Fastener Completion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tools lack the ability to determine the success of multiple fastener applications and adjust control logic accordingly, failing to provide precise feedback on fastener engagement and completion.
Innovation Solution
The power tool incorporates sensors and a controller to track its movement and orientation, using techniques like dead reckoning, crude logic, and machine learning to determine the completion of fastener operations and adjust control logic based on sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If power tools use complex control logic to determine success of multiple fastener applications, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fastener application process into discrete operations, tracking each individual fastener engagement separately. The controller divides the overall task into multiple detectable events (trigger pulls, operation completions), allowing precise measurement of each segment while maintaining manageable control logic for each individual segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller receives sensor data from each operation, determines completion status, and uses this information to track overall application progress. This feedback loop enables accurate determination of multiple fastener applications without requiring overly complex upfront control logic.
2Productivity
If power tools track multiple fastener operations with precise control logic, then productivity and measurement precision improve, but loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is pre-programmed with the expected sequence and number of fastener operations. This preliminary configuration allows the system to anticipate and efficiently process data from multiple operations without requiring complex real-time analysis, reducing data processing time while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tracking systems with electronic sensor-based detection. Sensors automatically capture operation data, and the controller processes this electronic information much faster than mechanical systems could track and record the same information, significantly reducing data processing time.
3Reliability
If power tools use sensors and control logic to determine operation success, then reliability and measurement precision improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it manages motor operation, processes sensor data from multiple fastener operations, determines completion status for each operation, and tracks overall application progress. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, improving reliability while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the power tool's own existing sensors and control infrastructure to determine operation success, rather than requiring entirely separate detection systems. The controller leverages available sensor data and its own operational knowledge to self-determine completion status, improving reliability without adding significant external complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool includes a housing, a motor, a first sensor configured to generate first sensor data related to a movement of the power tool, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive the first sensor data from the first sensor between a first operation and second operation of the power tool, wherein the first sensor data is related to the movement of the power tool, determine a change in position of the power tool based on the first sensor data, determine that the second operation of the power tool is complete based on the change in position of the power tool, and output an indication to a user interface to alert a user that the second operation was completed.