Hand-held Power Tool Automatic Activation via Motion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand-held power tools require manual activation to switch from standby to active mode, which can be inconvenient and may not ensure reliable connection with external units for setting functions.

Innovation Solution

The hand-held power tool automatically switches from standby to active mode based on movement parameters, such as acceleration or position, or connection setup parameters with external units, eliminating the need for manual activation and ensuring reliable connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual activation is required to switch from standby to active mode, then device complexity is reduced, but operating convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating convenienceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power tool automatically switches from standby to active mode by detecting motion parameters (acceleration, position changes, motion vectors) without requiring manual activation by the operator. The control system self-activates based on detected movement, making the device serve itself and eliminate the need for separate power-on actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical activation (pressing a power button) with automatic detection systems using sensors that monitor motion parameters. The mechanical actuation of a control element is substituted by electronic detection of acceleration values, position parameters, or motion vectors through sensor units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If automatic activation based on motion parameters is implemented, then operating convenience is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic activationVSAvoidsensor unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor unit serves multiple functions: it detects acceleration values, position parameters, and motion vectors to determine when to activate the device. The same sensor system is used for both activation control and potential operational monitoring, reducing the need for separate specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors changes in motion parameters (acceleration, position, motion vectors) to trigger activation. By detecting parameter changes rather than requiring direct user input, the system achieves automatic activation with relatively simple sensor implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If manual activation is required, then energy consumption is reduced in standby mode, but connection reliability with external units deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically activates before the operator would manually power it on by detecting the motion of picking up or moving the tool. This preliminary automatic activation ensures that the device is ready for operation and can establish connections with external units (such as smartphones or diagnostic equipment) before actual use begins, improving connection reliability without requiring the operator to remember to turn it on.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If automatic switching based on connection parameters is implemented, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishmentVSAvoidcommunication unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication unit for establishing connections with external units is integrated into the existing control system. The same processing unit that monitors motion parameters also handles connection establishment parameters, merging multiple functions into a single integrated control architecture rather than using separate dedicated systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3272466B1Method for operating a hand-held machine tool
Publication Date: 2022.09.14 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3272466B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3272466B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3272466B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a hand-held power tool. It is proposed that in at least one method step (12), the hand-held power tool is switched from a stand-by mode to an active operating mode depending on at least one movement parameter of the hand-held power tool, which is different from an actuation movement of a control element (14) of an operator interface (16) of the hand-held power tool, and/or depending on a connection establishment parameter of an external unit (18).