Electric Power Tool Light Spot Control via Trigger Switch Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electric power tools with integrated lighting systems often position the light source in a way that makes it difficult for users to control the spot of irradiation, leading to potential misdirection of light.

Innovation Solution

The electric power tool design incorporates a plurality of light-emitting units arranged between the trigger switch and the body, allowing for easier control of the light spot, with the light-emitting units positioned near the handle for intuitive operation and easy access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the light source is positioned in the middle of the case in the upward/downward direction, then the lighting unit can illuminate the work area, but it becomes difficult for the user to control the spot of the irradiating light

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol of light spotVSAvoidlighting unit position
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the lighting unit from the traditional upward/downward direction (vertical dimension) to the front/rear direction (longitudinal dimension) of the power tool. This dimensional change allows the light-emitting units to be arranged along the longitudinal axis, enabling the user's hand to naturally control the light spot position while gripping the handle, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the light-emitting units are arranged near the handle, then the user can easily control the light spot, but the space for other components may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to light controlVSAvoidspace for components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the lighting system into multiple light-emitting units (first and second light-emitting units) arranged at different positions along the longitudinal direction. This segmentation allows the lighting function to be distributed across available spaces in the power tool structure, enabling easy user control while maintaining adequate space for other components through strategic placement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates user control over the light spot, enhancing operational efficiency by allowing immediate adjustment and minimizing unwanted light exposure.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of light-emitting units (17) arranged between the trigger switch (16) and the body (14)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3715056B1Electric power tool
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3715056B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3715056B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3715056B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electric power tool (1) which facilitates the user's control of the spot of irradiating light. An electric power tool (1) includes a motor (11), a bit mounting portion (12), a power transmission mechanism (13), a body (14), a handle (15), a trigger switch (16), and a plurality of light-emitting units (17). The bit mounting portion (12) mounts a bit (18) thereon. The power transmission mechanism (13) is driven by the motor (11). The body (14) houses the motor (11) and the power transmission mechanism (13) therein and includes the bit mounting portion (12) at a tip thereof. The handle (15) is extended downward from the body (14). The trigger switch (16) is arranged in an upper front part of the handle (15). The plurality of light-emitting units (17) are arranged between the trigger switch (16) and the body (14).