Power Tool Lighting System with Integrated Reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tools face challenges in designing a work field lighting system that is both effective and space-efficient, as conventional solutions either expose the lighting means to damage or require additional structural height and length, compromising the tool's design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A power tool with a work field lighting system that incorporates a transparent element integrated into the housing, allowing the lighting mechanism to be positioned at any angle without increasing structural height or length, using a reflector face to deflect and focus light between the lighting mechanism and the transparent element, which can be part of the housing, eliminating the need for external lenses and optical waveguides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the lighting means is disposed underneath the gear above the switch actuation element at an angle to illuminate short tool bits, then the lighting can reach the end of short tool inserts, but the structural height increases and the switch actuation element has greater spacing from the gearbox
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the third dimension by disposing the lighting means inside the gear housing rather than underneath it, and employs an optical waveguide to transport light in a different spatial dimension to the lens on the housing. This dimensional reconfiguration allows illumination of short tool bits without increasing the external structural height of the tool.
2Length of stationary object
If the lighting means is disposed inside the electric power tool parallel to the tool holder axis with a lens for directional correction, then the structural height is low and the lighting means is protected, but the structural length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical waveguide as an intermediary component between the lighting means disposed inside the gear housing and the lens on the housing. This waveguide mediator transports light from the compact internal lighting position to the external lens, enabling directional light correction without increasing structural length, as the waveguide can be routed through existing housing spaces.
3Reliability
If conventional cabling is used to extend cables around a movable switch for changing direction of rotation, then the lighting system can function, but additional space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lighting system's power supply and control with the existing motor control circuitry and movable switch. The lighting means is integrated into the gear housing and shares the same power source and control switch as the motor, eliminating the need for separate cabling around the movable switch and reducing overall space requirements.
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
This design provides great flexibility in positioning the lighting mechanism, reduces the structural length of the lighting unit, and allows for space-saving placement, enabling precise work even with short tool inserts while protecting the lighting components.
Implementation Method 1
using a reflector face to deflect and focus light between the lighting mechanism and the transparent element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a machine tool having working field illumination disposed in a housing-having an illumination mechanism and a transparent element which allows the light from the illumination mechanism to be led out toward the working field. A light beam can be deflected between the illumination mechanism and the transparent element. According to the invention, the transparent element forms a region of the housing.