Power Tool Rotation Control for Suction-Aware Dust Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power tools with fixed direction of rotation are limited in user-friendliness and versatility, requiring manual adjustment that can lead to user distraction and increased physical strain or dust exposure.

Innovation Solution

A power tool with a rotating tool that automatically adjusts its direction based on the connection of a suction device, using detection means to optimize dust extraction and reduce user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the direction of rotation of the tool is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability or versatility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidadaptability or versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power tool implements dynamic direction adjustment by detecting the connection state of a suction device and automatically changing the rotation direction of the tool accordingly. This allows the tool to adapt between clockwise and counterclockwise rotation based on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between fixed simplicity and adaptive versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the direction of rotation is adjusted manually, then the adaptability or versatility is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability or versatilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The power tool performs self-service by automatically detecting whether a suction device is connected and autonomously adjusting the tool's rotation direction without requiring manual user intervention. This eliminates the need for users to manually switch directions, improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback through detection means that monitor the connection state of the suction device. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts the rotation direction, creating a closed-loop system that improves both ease of operation and adaptability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the direction of rotation is adjusted frequently, then the adaptability or versatility is improved, but the loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability or versatilityVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically detecting the suction device connection state and pre-adjusting the rotation direction before the user begins work. This eliminates the time required for manual direction switching and setup, allowing immediate operation in the correct direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automatic detection and adjustment system performs the direction-changing action itself without requiring user time for manual switching. This self-service mechanism eliminates time loss while maintaining the ability to adapt to different operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4072787B1Electric power tool with a motor and a rotating tool
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 HILTI AG
  • EP4072787B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4072787B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4072787B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a power tool device with a rotating tool. The power tool is characterized in that the rotational direction of the tool on the power tool device can be set on the basis of the operating state of the power tool device. The automatic setting of the rotational direction of the power tool is combined with the advantage that no gearing mechanism is required for changing the rotational direction like in an internal combustion engine. Furthermore, the user-friendliness of the power tool device can be substantially improved for the user because the user must practically no longer be concerned with setting a "correct" rotational direction. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a power tool device comprising a rotating tool, wherein the rotational direction of the tool on the power tool device is set in particular on the basis of whether or not a suction tool is connected to the power tool device.