Power Tool Motor Sound Signaling for Remote Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tools lack effective methods for remote location and control, particularly in noisy environments, and there is a need for improved communication systems to enhance user interaction and tool management.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a motor with a rotor and stator that emits an audible sound when excited by high-frequency current signals, controlled by a switching module and processor, allowing remote activation and identification through wireless communication with an external device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a speaker is added to the power tool for location identification, then the tool can be located remotely, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is made to serve dual functions: its primary function of driving the rotor to rotate for tool operation, and a secondary function of emitting audible sound for location identification. By controlling the motor to operate without rotor rotation (producing only sound), the patent eliminates the need for a separate speaker component, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the location identification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the location identification function with the existing motor component. Instead of adding a separate speaker, the motor itself is utilized to produce audible sound for location purposes. This combining of functions reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall device structure
2Loss of information
If the motor is made to emit sound without rotation, then location identification is enabled, but energy efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The motor operates in periodic cycles: during normal operation it rotates to drive the tool, and during location identification it emits sound without rotation. The controller activates the motor in short bursts or periodic intervals for location purposes rather than continuous operation, thereby managing energy consumption efficiently while still providing location identification capability
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 remote location and control of power tools by emitting sound without rotation, enhancing user interaction and tool management capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a motor including a rotor and a stator, the rotor being operable to rotate relative to the stator... The controller is configured to control the switching module to provide a high frequency current signal from battery pack to the motor... The motor emits an audible sound in response to the high frequency current signal
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool including a battery pack interface configured to receive a removable and rechargeable battery pack, a motor including a rotor and a stator, the rotor operable to rotate relative to the stator, and a switching module that includes a plurality of switching devices connected between the battery pack interface and the motor. The power tool further includes a controller including a processor and a memory. The controller is configured to receive a signal from an external device, control the switching module to provide a high frequency current signal from battery pack to the motor in response to receiving the signal, the motor configured to emit an audible sound in response to the high frequency current signal, and control the switching module to stop providing the high frequency current signal to the motor.