Power Tool Motion Sensor Gesture Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of power tools face difficulties interacting with computerized units due to protective clothing, which restricts input methods like buttons and pointing devices, leading to interrupted industrial processes and lost time.

Innovation Solution

A power tool equipped with a motion sensor unit, such as a gyroscope and accelerometer, that translates tool movements into inputs for a user interface, allowing gesture-based interaction in a dedicated mode, reducing the need to release the tool and enabling seamless interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional input methods (buttons, keyboards, pointing devices) are used for user interface interaction, then the interface can be controlled, but the user is restrained by protective clothing and must release the tool to interact, interrupting the industrial process and losing time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface interactionVSAvoidindustrial process continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical input devices (buttons, keyboards, mice) with a motion sensor unit that detects tool movements and gestures. This substitution allows users to interact with the user interface through natural hand movements while maintaining grip on the tool, eliminating the need to release the tool and interrupt the industrial process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The motion sensor unit acts as an intermediary between the user's hand movements and the user interface. It captures gestures and movements of the tool body, translates them into corresponding interface commands, and enables seamless interaction without direct contact with traditional input devices that are incompatible with protective clothing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the user releases the power tool to interact with the computerized unit, then interaction is enabled, but the industrial process is interrupted and valuable time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface accessibilityVSAvoidprocess interruption time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous interaction with the user interface while maintaining continuous grip on the tool. The motion sensor unit detects gestures throughout the entire work process, allowing users to navigate menus, select options, and control settings without releasing the tool, thus maintaining uninterrupted industrial processes and eliminating time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If protective clothing (gloves) is worn, then safety is maintained, but interaction with traditional user interfaces becomes difficult or impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety protectionVSAvoiduser interface input capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical input devices that require direct contact and dexterity (buttons, keyboards, mice) with a motion-based input system. The motion sensor unit detects tool movements and hand gestures through air, allowing users wearing protective gloves to interact with the user interface using natural movements that are not restricted by glove material.

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

Facilitates efficient interaction with computerized units by allowing users to navigate menus, select options, and control interfaces using tool movements, minimizing interruptions and enhancing productivity.

Implementation Method 1

The motion sensor unit may comprise one or more inertia sensors. The motion sensor unit may thus comprise a gyroscope configured to detect a rotation of the tool body.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGyroscope: Gyroscope

Implementation Method 2

The motion sensor unit may comprise an accelerometer configured to detect an acceleration of the tool body.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS10108169B2Power tool

Publication Date: 2018.10.23 ATLAS COPCO IND TECHNIQUE AB INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT

AI summary

A power tool, which includes or is connectable to a computerized unit including a user interface, includes: a portable tool body supporting a motion sensor unit; and an activation unit by which the power tool may be set in two different modes, one production mode and one user interaction mode in which the power tool is configured to provide data from the motion sensor unit to interact with the user interface, such that a movement of the tool body is translated into an input to the user interface.