Portable Power Tool Interchangeable Wireless Communication Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable power tools, such as battery-powered wrenches, are designed for specific communication systems and require significant redesign and increased costs when adapting to different wireless communication systems, involving time-consuming dismantling and reassembly or stocking multiple tool models.
Innovation Solution
A battery-powered power tool with interchangeable communication modules allows easy switching between different wireless communication systems, such as Bluetooth and W-lan, without the need for dismantling, by using a docking mechanism with identical connection means for various communication modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the power tool is designed for a specific communication system, then the tool operates reliably with that system, but adapting to a different communication system requires time-consuming dismantling and reassembly or increased costs for stocking multiple tool models
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is divided into a separate, exchangeable module that can be independently replaced. The transmitting/receiving means is housed in a dedicated communication module that detaches from the main tool body, allowing the user to swap between different communication systems (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) without dismantling the entire tool. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by making adaptation quick and simple while maintaining tool reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power tool is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of communication modules. The tool body contains a standardized mounting structure and connection interface that works with various communication systems, making the tool itself multi-functional while keeping the specific communication capability modular. This allows one tool to serve multiple communication needs through module exchange.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transmitting/receiving means is changed to adapt to another communication system, then the tool supports the new system, but the operation involves tricky and time-consuming dismantling and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting/receiving means is segmented into a separate communication module that can be exchanged without tools or complex procedures. The module is designed as a self-contained unit with external mounting features that allow simple attachment and detachment, making the exchange operation easy and quick while enabling support for alternative communication systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication module is designed as a replaceable, potentially disposable component rather than a permanent part of the tool. This allows users to easily exchange modules for different communication systems without worrying about complex reassembly or permanent modifications to the main tool body, significantly improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If multiple power tool models with different communication systems are produced, then each model is optimized for its specific system, but the costs for keeping an increased number of tools in stock increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of producing multiple tool models, the invention produces one universal tool model that can accommodate different communication modules. The tool body is designed with a standardized interface that accepts various communication systems, allowing the supplier to stock a single tool design with multiple interchangeable modules rather than maintaining inventory of multiple complete tool models. This significantly reduces the quantity of tools needed in stock while maintaining optimization for different communication systems through dedicated modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is segmented into a common, long-lasting body and interchangeable communication modules. This allows the supplier to produce and stock a single optimized tool body that can work with different communication systems through module attachment, rather than producing and stocking multiple complete tool models. The segmentation separates the permanent tool investment from the variable communication capability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A portable power tool with wireless communication with a stationary control unit for exchange of operation parameter values comprises housing (10) with a battery powered motor connected to an output shaft, an on-board operation control means, and a wireless communication means in the form of a communication module (22), wherein the communication module (22) is received in a docking portion (23) on the housing (10), and the docking portion (23) and the communication module (22) have matching electric connection means (25,26). The communication module (22) is one of a number of exchangeable communication modules (22a-c) all having identical electric connection means (25,26) for co-operation with the connection means of the docking portion (23) but comprise means for wireless communication according to different communication systems.