Power Tool Surface Light Guide for Shadowless Work Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power tools face challenges in providing effective illumination in dark environments due to shadows created by the power output element and large working attachments, which obstruct light and affect the user's visual experience.
Innovation Solution
A power tool design featuring a surface light source device with a light guiding element surrounding the central axis and a gap, allowing light to be emitted from LEDs positioned at the gap, providing shadowless illumination by directing light around the power output element and working attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional light source is positioned behind the power output element, then the light source can be mounted on the power tool housing, but the power output element and working attachment block the light and create shadows in the work area
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is repositioned from a conventional location behind the power output element to a circumferential position around it. This spatial reconfiguration allows light to approach the work area from multiple angular dimensions rather than being blocked by a single-point obstruction, thereby eliminating shadows while maintaining effective illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple light emitting elements distributed circumferentially around the power output element. This segmentation allows each light source to illuminate different sectors of the work area, collectively providing comprehensive coverage without shadow interference that would occur with a single centralized light source.
2Illumination intensity
If the light source is positioned to illuminate the work area directly, then illumination is provided, but the power output element and large working attachments obstruct the light path and reduce visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination approach is changed from direct frontal lighting to circumferential multi-angle lighting. By positioning light sources around the power output element rather than behind it, the system provides illumination from multiple dimensional perspectives, ensuring the work area is visible from all angles without being obscured by the attachment.
3Ease of manufacture
If a traditional illuminating device is used, then the light source can be mounted on the housing, but the power output element extends out and blocks light emission to the work area
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into multiple independent light emitting elements positioned at different circumferential locations. This segmentation allows each light source to be mounted independently on the housing without being blocked by the power output element, maintaining both manufacturing simplicity and illumination effectiveness.
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
The solution ensures improved illumination by minimizing shadows, enhancing the user's visibility in dark environments, particularly when using tools like impact wrenches and electric hammers, by effectively directing light around the power output element and working attachments.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting element is disposed at the light incident surface of the light guiding element
Implementation Method 2
a light guiding element formed with the light exit surface and a light incident surface for leading the light into the light guiding element
Data Source
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AI summary
A power tool (100) includesa housing (11), a power output element (13) for outputting power, a motor (12) for driving the power output element to output power, and a surface light source device (20) for providing illumination. The surface light source device is mounted on the housing and the surface light source device includes a light exit surface (231) allowing the surface light source device to emit light.