Handheld Power Tool Orientation Sensing for Automatic Work Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handheld power tool operators face inefficiencies and inaccuracies in tracking work progress, such as tree felling, location, time, and earnings, due to manual recording, which is time-consuming and prone to human errors.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an orientation sensor in handheld power tools connected to a controller that receives and processes orientation data to determine operational data, enabling automatic feedback and remote monitoring of work performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual recording methods are used to track work progress, then the operator can record information, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to human errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of work trackingVSAvoidtime spent on manual recording

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual recording system with an automated sensor-based system. Orientation sensors, accelerometers, and other detectors automatically capture work data, eliminating the need for manual writing and calculation. This substitution directly resolves the contradiction by providing accurate tracking without time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The power tool system performs self-monitoring and self-recording of operational data. The tool automatically tracks its own usage, orientation, and work output through integrated sensors and processors, eliminating the need for external manual recording by the operator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If manual recording is used, then the operator can track work information, but the process is tiresome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of work dataVSAvoidoperator effort required

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The manual recording process is replaced with automated electronic sensing and processing systems. Multiple sensors simultaneously capture various parameters (orientation, acceleration, operational state), ensuring complete data collection without operator effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system performs multiple tracking functions simultaneously - recording orientation, location, time, and work output - through a single integrated system. This multi-functionality ensures complete information capture while simplifying operator interaction to minimal activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If automated sensor systems are implemented, then accurate operational data is obtained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of operational dataVSAvoidcomplexity of sensor and controller system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed to handle multiple sensor inputs and perform various processing functions through a single integrated unit. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating what could be multiple separate devices into one unified controller that manages orientation sensors, accelerometers, and data processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary that simplifies the interface between complex sensors and the user. It aggregates raw sensor data, performs necessary calculations, and presents simplified operational information, thereby managing complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Extent of automation

If orientation sensors are added to the power tool, then automatic work tracking is enabled, but the weight of the tool increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic work tracking capabilityVSAvoidweight of handheld power tool

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses modern miniaturized sensors with extremely low mass. By changing the physical parameters of the sensing components (using micro-electromechanical systems and integrated circuits), the weight addition is minimized to negligible levels while maintaining full automation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical tracking methods (manual recording equipment, clipboards, pens) are replaced with electronic sensors that have minimal mass. This substitution achieves automation while adding negligible weight compared to the mechanical systems being replaced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11135665B2Handheld power tool

Publication Date: 2021.10.05 HUSQVARNA AB

AI summary

A handheld power tool (100) comprising at least one orientation sensor (150) is provided. The handheld power tool (100) is operatively connected to a controller (160; 210) and said controller (160; 210) is configured to receive orientation data from the at least one orientation sensor (150), wherein the orientation data comprises information associated with an orientation of at least a portion of the handheld power tool (100) and to determine operational data based on the orientation data, said operational data representing work performed using the handheld power tool (100). The operational data is determined by determining the orientation of the power tool based on the received orientation data from the at least one orientation sensor (150).