Compact Power Tool Data Logger With High-Current Pass-Through
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tools lack the ability to communicate operational information to external devices, and existing adapters are not designed to handle high current flow without affecting the tool's operation or increasing its form factor.
Innovation Solution
A compact data logger adapter that includes a housing with a power tool interface, a battery pack interface, and bus bars connecting tool and battery terminal blocks, equipped with a transceiver and electronic processor to record and export operational data to a user device while maintaining tool functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If existing adapters are used to enable data communication, then data logging capability is improved, but the adapter cannot handle high current flow and increases the form factor of the power tool system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the data logging functionality with the existing battery pack interface, merging the adapter functions into a compact unit that interfaces with both the power tool and battery pack simultaneously. This integration allows data communication capabilities to be added without requiring separate external adapters, thereby managing form factor while enabling operational information transfer.
2Loss of information
If existing adapters are used to enable data communication, then data logging capability is improved, but the adapter cannot handle high current flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical connection paths, separating the high-current power transmission function (handled by dedicated power terminals and bus bars) from the data communication function (handled by separate communication terminals). This segmentation allows the adapter to reliably handle high current flow for power tool operation while simultaneously enabling data logging through dedicated low-current communication channels.
3Loss of information
If a data logging adapter is added to power tools, then operational data can be recorded and exported, but it may disrupt the tool's performance
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter acts as an intermediary device that interfaces between the power tool and external devices without disrupting the direct power tool-battery pack connection. It captures operational data through the communication interface while allowing uninterrupted power flow and normal tool operation, thereby enabling data recording without affecting tool performance.
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 data logger allows for efficient data logging and communication of power tool operation without disrupting the tool's performance, providing valuable operational insights while maintaining a compact form factor.
Implementation Method 1
a transceiver for communication between the data logger and an external device
Implementation Method 2
The electronic processor is configured to obtain data related to power tool operation
Implementation Method 3
bus bars connecting the tool terminal block to the battery terminal block
Data Source
AI summary
A data logger device for a power tool including a housing, a power tool interface provided at the top of the housing and configured to be received in a corresponding interface of the power tool, and a battery pack interface provided at the bottom of the housing and configured to receive a corresponding interface of a battery pack providing operating power to the power tool. The data logger also includes a tool terminal block, a battery terminal block provided, and bus bars connecting the tool terminal block to the battery terminal block to provide pass through power from the battery pack to the power tool. The data logger is configured to obtain data related to power tool operation, and export, using a transceiver, the data to a user device.