Handheld Power Tool UI Positioning for Low-Profile Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handheld power tools have a high base height, making them less suitable for use in narrow work areas and complicating assembly, as well as lacking an efficient method to position the user interface relative to the control unit housing.

Innovation Solution

A handheld power tool design featuring a positioning device that supports the user interface on the control unit housing, allowing for a low base height and improved assembly by integrating the positioning device within the control unit housing, which includes a support element to divert operating forces and maintain the user interface's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the user interface is mounted separately from the control unit housing, then the assembly process becomes complex and the base height increases, but the user interface positioning and structural stability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoidbase height
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface is integrated directly into the control unit housing, merging two previously separate components into one unified structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting operations, reduces the number of assembly steps, and lowers the overall base height by removing the clearance required for separate component attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit housing serves multiple functions: it encloses the control unit electronics and simultaneously provides the mounting structure for the user interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated mounting components and simplifies the overall assembly process.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the user interface is mounted separately from the control unit housing, then positioning flexibility is improved, but the base height increases and assembly becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface is pre-integrated into the control unit housing during manufacturing, establishing its position and orientation in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex positioning operations during final assembly, as the interface is already correctly positioned within the unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Length of stationary object

If no positioning device is used to support the user interface, then the base height is reduced, but the user interface stability and force distribution are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase heightVSAvoiduser interface stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure for the user interface is integrated into the control unit housing itself, rather than being a separate positioning device. This merging provides inherent stability and proper force distribution through the housing structure, eliminating the need for additional positioning components that would increase base height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3981550B1Handheld power tool
Publication Date: 2023.07.05 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3981550B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3981550B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3981550B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A hand-held power tool (100) is disclosed, comprising a drive unit (111) which can be actuated by means of at least one hand switch (128), a control unit (170) for controlling the drive unit (111) which has a control unit housing (174), at least one user interface (200) which includes at least one operating element (202), and a housing (110) which at least partially accommodates the control unit (170) and the user interface (200). It is proposed that the hand-held power tool (100) has a positioning device (300) which supports the user interface (200) against the control unit housing (174) using the positioning device (300).