Brushless Power Tool Output Tuning Through Field Weakening Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power tools with brushless motors lack efficient control over output adjustments, particularly in terms of torque and speed, which limits their versatility and efficiency in various applications.

Innovation Solution

The power tool incorporates a brushless motor with adjustable output through selectable field weakening modes, controlled by an electronic processor that determines tool and motor parameters based on user inputs and operational modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional brushless motor control is used, then the motor structure is simple, but the output adjustment capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic motor parameter adjustment by allowing the electronic processor to modify motor parameters (such as commutation timing, current waveform, or field weakening levels) in real-time based on selected operational modes. This enables the motor to adapt its characteristics dynamically, providing versatile output adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through software-based control rather than additional hardware components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If motor parameters are fixed, then the control system is simple, but the tool performance optimization for specific tasks is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool performance optimizationVSAvoidparameter control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by providing multiple predefined operational modes (e.g., high torque mode, high speed mode, variable mode) that correspond to different sets of motor parameters. The electronic processor selects and applies the appropriate parameter set based on user input, enabling task-specific performance optimization without requiring complex real-time calculations or additional hardware. This approach balances productivity enhancement with controlled system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If field weakening modes are added, then the speed control range is improved, but the control algorithm complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed control rangeVSAvoidcontrol algorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the speed control range into distinct operational zones or modes, each with predefined field weakening characteristics. Instead of implementing a continuous complex control algorithm, the system segments the control space into manageable discrete modes (e.g., base speed mode, field weakening mode 1, field weakening mode 2), making the control algorithm simpler while still achieving broad speed control range through the electronic processor's ability to switch between these segmented modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution allows for precise control over motor output, optimizing tool performance for specific tasks by adjusting torque, speed, and field weakening modes, thereby enhancing efficiency and versatility.

Implementation Method 1

a brushless motor supported within the housing. The brushless motor includes a rotor and a stator, and is configured to rotate a motor shaft to produce an output

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The output of the brushless motor is adjustable based on a plurality of selectable field weakening modes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectField weakening: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20250105771A1Power tool including dynamically configurable motor parameters
Publication Date: 2025.03.27 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP
  • US20250105771A1 patent drawing
  • US20250105771A1 patent drawing
  • US20250105771A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A power tool includes a housing and a brushless motor. The brushless motor includes a rotor and a stator and is configured to rotate a motor shaft to rotate a motor shaft to produce an output. The output of the brushless motor is adjustable based on a plurality of selectable field weakening modes. The power tool includes a battery pack receptacle configured to receive a battery pack, a power circuit configured to receive power from the battery pack and supply power to the brushless motor, and an electronic processor electrically connected to the motor, the battery receptacle, and the power circuit. The electronic processor is configured to determine a tool parameter associated with the output of the power tool, and determine a motor parameter based on the determined tool parameter. The motor parameter is associated with one of the plurality of selectable field weakening modes.