Power Tool Illumination Refractive Optical Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power tools face challenges in effectively illuminating work objects due to overlapping illumination ranges from multiple light sources and potential shadow formation by tool accessories, which can decrease work efficiency and clarity.

Innovation Solution

A power tool design incorporating a refractive optical member that redirects illumination light radially outward from the rotational axis, minimizing overlapping illumination ranges and preventing light from irradiating tool accessories, thus ensuring better illumination of the work object without shadows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If multiple lights are disposed around the output part to illuminate the work object, then the illumination coverage is improved, but overlapping illumination ranges and shadow formation occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination coverageVSAvoidshadow formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An optical member is introduced as an intermediary between the lights and the work object. This optical member redirects the illumination light from multiple lights in a controlled manner, ensuring that the light reaches the work object without creating overlapping ranges or shadows caused by tool accessories.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical member is configured to provide different light redirection functions for different regions. By optimizing the local light distribution characteristics, it ensures uniform illumination coverage while preventing shadow formation in critical work areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Illumination intensity

If multiple lights are disposed around the output part to illuminate the work object, then the illumination coverage is improved, but overlapping illumination ranges occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination coverageVSAvoidillumination light distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The optical member acts as a mediator that redistributes illumination light from multiple sources. It controls the light paths to eliminate overlapping ranges, ensuring that each region of the work object receives appropriate illumination without redundancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical member divides the illumination light from multiple lights into separate, non-overlapping paths. This segmentation of light distribution ensures that each light contributes to a specific region of the work object without creating overlapping illumination zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If tool accessories are present during operation, then the power tool functionality is improved, but shadows are formed on the work object

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool functionalityVSAvoidshadow formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The optical member serves as an intermediary that redirects illumination light around tool accessories. By changing the light paths, it ensures that light reaches the work object even when accessories are present, preventing shadow formation while maintaining full tool functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical member redirects light in alternative directions that bypass the three-dimensional obstacles (tool accessories). This dimensional approach to light redirection allows illumination to reach the work object from angles that avoid shadow casting by accessories.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design enhances illumination coverage and reduces shadow formation, improving work efficiency and clarity by optimizing the illumination range and protecting the optical and circuit components.

Implementation Method 1

an optical member having a refractive surface that refracts, radially outward of (away from) the rotational axis, illumination light emitted from a light-emitting surface of one of the lights

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS11890731B2Power tool having illumination device

Publication Date: 2024.02.06 MAKITA CORP

AI summary

A power tool includes a motor; an output part configured to be rotated around a rotational axis in response to energization of the motor; a plurality of lights disposed spaced apart around the output part; and an optical member having a refractive surface that refracts illumination light emitted from a light-emitting surface of one of the lights such that the main illumination direction extends at an angle away from the rotational axis.