Rear LCD Interface for Hand-Held Power Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable power tools with seven-segment displays face limitations in information availability, readability, and usability, particularly when the display is located in an inconvenient position for the operator, requiring the tool to be manipulated out of its working orientation.
Innovation Solution
A user interface for hand-held portable power tools featuring a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen and multiple control buttons positioned on the rear of the tool, allowing operators to maintain the tool in a working orientation while accessing various settings and information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a seven-segment display is used on portable power tools, then the device structure is simple and cost is reduced, but information availability and readability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a seven-segment display to an LCD display, changing the display technology parameters to enable more information to be presented simultaneously. This allows multiple settings and operational states to be displayed at once, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and information availability.
2Device complexity
If the display is positioned on the front or side of the tool, then the structure is simple, but the operator must manipulate the tool out of working orientation to read the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the display and control buttons on the rear of the tool, utilizing the rear surface dimension that was previously underutilized. This allows the operator to view and interact with the display while maintaining the tool in its working orientation, eliminating the need to manipulate the tool awkwardly to read the display.
3Ease of operation
If multiple control buttons and an LCD screen are added to the rear of the tool, then information availability and usability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the rear interface to serve multiple functions: the LCD display presents various types of information (settings, operational states, diagnostics), while the control buttons provide both selection and confirmation capabilities. This multi-functional integration justifies the increased complexity by delivering comprehensive control and information access in a unified interface.
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
The user interface enhances the usability and readability of information for operators by keeping the tool in a working orientation, improving interaction with the tool's settings and operational states through intuitive icons and touch-sensitive controls.
Implementation Method 1
A user interface for hand-held portable power tools featuring a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A user interface for a hand-held portable power tool is shown and described. In embodiments, the hand-held portable power tool includes a motor, a controller operatively coupled to the motor, and a user interface in electrical communication with the controller. The user interface includes a display screen and a plurality of control buttons, the controller is configured to receive inputs from the control buttons when at least one button among the plurality of control buttons is actuated and display an image on the display screen, wherein the image includes at least a plurality of icons that correspond to the plurality of control buttons, such that interacting with a respective control button adjacent to a respective icon displayed on the user interface causes the user interface to display information pursuant to the respective icon.