Power Tool Mode Selection via Colored Light Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators often mistakenly choose the wrong operating mode for power tools, leading to potential damage or inefficiency in processing tasks, as existing solutions like displays and training are not sufficiently reliable to ensure correct mode selection.

Innovation Solution

A power tool that uses a light emitting device to provide distinct light signals based on operating modes, allowing operators to visually confirm the correct mode before starting a process, with the device positioned to illuminate the object and potentially accompanied by markings on a detachable tool piece holder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If displays or training are used to instruct operators on correct operating modes, then operator knowledge is improved, but reliability of correct mode selection remains insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of correct mode selectionVSAvoidoperator confusion about operating modes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses different colored light signals (e.g., green for correct mode, red for incorrect mode) to provide immediate visual feedback to operators about the correct operating mode selection. This color-coding system eliminates ambiguity and ensures reliable mode selection without requiring complex displays or extensive training.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback to operators by illuminating the work area with colored light signals that indicate whether the correct operating mode is selected. This continuous visual feedback mechanism ensures operators can immediately identify and correct mode selection errors, significantly improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operating modes are provided to handle different applications, then versatility is improved, but risk of operator error increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different applicationsVSAvoiddamage from wrong operating mode

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs colored light signals to indicate the current operating mode and provide feedback on correctness. By visually distinguishing between different modes and highlighting errors, the system enables operators to safely utilize multiple operating modes for different applications without risking damage from confusion or mistake.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The real-time visual feedback mechanism continuously monitors operating mode selection and provides immediate indication of correctness. This feedback loop prevents operator errors by allowing immediate detection and correction of wrong mode selection before processing begins, thus protecting the workpiece from damage while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If visual feedback is provided through light signals, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of identifying correct operating modeVSAvoidcomplexity of light signal system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses simple colored light signals (such as green for correct, red for incorrect) to provide immediate and intuitive visual feedback. This straightforward color-coding system greatly simplifies the operator's task of identifying correct operating modes without introducing complex interfaces or controls, thus improving ease of operation with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic display systems with simple optical light signals that provide the same information more effectively. By using basic light-emitting components rather than complex screens or indicators, the system achieves enhanced ease of operation while keeping the overall device complexity low.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Ensures accurate selection of operating modes, preventing errors and ensuring high-quality processing by allowing operators to easily identify the correct mode through visual cues, thereby enhancing safety and process reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a light emitting device (20) arranged to light up an object to be processed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emitting: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS11472016B2Power tool

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 ATLAS COPCO IND TECHNIQUE AB INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT

AI summary

A power tool is arranged to operate in at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The power tool is operative to provide a first type of light signal from a light emitting device arranged to light up an object to be processed when the power tool is set in the first operating mode and to provide a second type of light signal when the power tool is set in the second operating mode.