Power Tool Interface Using Portable Devices for Dynamic User Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power tools lack an effective and customizable interface for providing user feedback, relying on expensive LED or LCD panels that are limited in information delivery and difficult to tailor post-manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

A power tool interface that includes a data communication module for connecting with portable electronic devices, enabling data exchange and power transmission between the tool and a computing device, allowing for real-time status monitoring and control through graphical presentation and sensor data processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If LED or LCD panels are used to provide status information to users, then specific information can be conveyed, but the manufacturing cost increases and the information type cannot be easily changed or tailored

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation delivery capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a portable electronic device as an intermediary between the power tool and the user. The power tool communicates data to the portable device, which then presents the information through its display interface. This mediator approach allows the power tool to provide comprehensive information without needing expensive built-in display panels, resolving the contradiction between information delivery capability and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If LED or LCD panels are pre-programmed during manufacturing, then specific information can be displayed, but the interface cannot be easily customized for different user needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation delivery capabilityVSAvoidcustomization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the information interface dynamic by utilizing the portable electronic device's software-based display system. The type of information presented can be changed through software configuration rather than hardware reprogramming, allowing the interface to adapt to different user needs and requirements while maintaining comprehensive information delivery capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If complex mechanical components are added to assist users, then task performance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask assistance capabilityVSAvoidmechanical component complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical interface components with an electronic communication system. Instead of adding mechanical assistance devices, the system uses data communication between the power tool and portable electronic device to provide user guidance and control, reducing mechanical complexity while improving ease of operation through digital information delivery.

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

Enables enhanced user feedback and control of power tools via portable devices, improving information delivery and user experience while reducing manufacturing costs and enhancing customization options.

Implementation Method 1

a power transmitter arranged to transmit power from a power source of the power tool to the portable electronic device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2870537B1An interface for a power tool
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 TECHTRONIC OUTDOOR PRODS TECH
  • EP2870537B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2870537B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2870537B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

An interface for a power tool has a data communication module arranged to form a data connection between the power tool and a portable electronic device, wherein the data connection is arranged to communicate data therebetween, and a power transmitter arranged to transmit electrical power between the power tool and the portable electronic device.