Power Tool Digital Control Unit Interface Switching for Non-Invasive Data Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of portable battery-operated power tools requires time-consuming and invasive testing to acquire operating data, such as motor current, battery temperature, and electrical voltage, which disrupts the internal conditions of the tool.
Innovation Solution
A power tool with a digital control unit that switches between standard and communication operations, utilizing existing interfaces to transmit operating data without physical modifications, allowing for continuous monitoring and data recording without interfering with the tool's internal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If through-holes are provided in housing shells to route electrical measuring lines, then motor current and battery current can be measured, but the internal marginal conditions of the power tool are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement device that interfaces with the power tool through existing external connections (battery interface, power supply lines) rather than requiring direct internal access. This intermediary device acts as a mediator that enables current measurements without physical intrusion into the tool's internal structure, thereby maintaining internal marginal conditions while achieving measurement objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically routing measuring lines through housing shells with an electrical/electronic solution. By utilizing existing electrical interfaces and communication protocols, the measurement system substitutes mechanical intrusion with electronic data acquisition, eliminating the need for through-holes and internal line routing while preserving internal conditions.
2Loss of information
If measuring lines are mounted directly on electronics board or temperature sensors are fixed, then operating data can be acquired, but considerable interventions in the power tool are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the power tool to serve itself by utilizing its existing communication interfaces and data transmission capabilities to provide operating data for measurement and analysis purposes. The tool's own electrical infrastructure (supply lines, code lines, communication interfaces) is leveraged to facilitate data acquisition without requiring external measurement devices to be physically integrated into the tool's internal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent demonstrates that existing electrical interfaces designed for power supply and communication purposes can serve multiple functions - their primary function plus data measurement function. The same supply lines and code lines used for electrical operation and communication are also utilized for transmitting operating data, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If housing shells are modified with through-holes for measuring lines, then current measurements are possible, but time-consuming redesigns are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes measurement interfaces and communication protocols that are预先 built into the power tool's design before field use. By leveraging pre-existing electrical infrastructure and data transmission capabilities, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming retroactive modifications during prototype testing or field measurements, as all necessary measurement pathways are already established in the tool's original design.
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool having a digital control unit is provided, an interface of the digital control unit being switchable between standard operation and communication operation. In communication operation, operating data of the power tool are able to be transmitted via the interface.