Automatic Transmission for Power Tool Speed Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power tools with single speed operations face challenges in accommodating variations in load due to operator force and material characteristics, leading to inefficiencies and potential motor overload, as they require stopping to change speed modes, resulting in discontinuous work and increased risk of jamming or damage.

Innovation Solution

A transmission assembly with a high speed and low speed path, along with a clutch mechanism and controller that allows automatic speed adjustment based on motor current, enabling seamless switching between modes without stopping the tool, ensuring optimal torque and speed for varying work conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mode switch is provided to change speed of operation, then adaptability to different loads is improved, but the machine must be stopped to actuate the switch, resulting in loss of continuity and potential jamming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed adaptationVSAvoidcontinuous operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system dynamically switches between high-speed and low-speed modes during operation without stopping the machine. The mode switch is designed to be actuable during operation, and the transmission paths are configured to allow seamless transition between speeds, maintaining continuous operation and preventing jamming while adapting to varying load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission assembly maintains continuous operation by allowing mode changes during active use. The high-speed and low-speed transmission paths are designed to enable uninterrupted operation, ensuring the cutting action continues without stopping, thereby preventing snitches and maintaining workflow continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a mode switch is provided to change speed of operation, then adaptability to different loads is improved, but the risk of saw blade becoming jammed or snagged increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed adaptationVSAvoidjammed or snagged blade
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system allows dynamic mode switching during operation without requiring the saw blade to be stopped or removed from the workpiece. The mode switch can be actuated during continuous operation, and the transmission paths are configured to prevent the blade from becoming jammed or snagged while changing speeds, thereby adapting to varying material hardness without interrupting the cutting action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If single speed operation is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying load conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission structureVSAvoidload adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system is segmented into two distinct transmission paths: a high-speed transmission path and a low-speed transmission path. Each path is optimized for specific load conditions, allowing the system to adapt to varying material thickness and hardness without excessive complexity. The mode switch selectively engages the appropriate path based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission assembly provides multi-functionality by incorporating both high-speed and low-speed transmission paths within a single device. This universal design allows the power tool to handle various load conditions and material types without requiring multiple separate tools, achieving adaptability while maintaining reasonable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If high speed operation is used, then productivity is improved, but motor overload risk increases under heavy load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting speedVSAvoidmotor protection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system dynamically selects between high-speed and low-speed modes based on operational conditions. During light cutting operations, the high-speed path maximizes productivity. When heavy load conditions are detected or anticipated, the system can switch to the low-speed path, which provides higher torque and protects the motor from overload, thereby maintaining both productivity and motor protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8651199B2Automatic transmission for a power tool
Publication Date: 2014.02.18 TECHTRONIC POWER TOOLS TECHNOLOGY LTD(GB)
  • US8651199B2 patent drawing
  • US8651199B2 patent drawing
  • US8651199B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A transmission assembly for a power tool includes a first transmission path comprising a high speed transmission path, a second transmission path comprising a low speed transmission path, a controller for one of engaging and disengaging the high speed transmission path, and a clutch for enabling the low speed transmission path to operate at a lower speed than an output of the transmission assembly when the high speed transmission path is engaged.