Optically Conductive Ring Lens for Focused Workspace Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing attachment caps for hand-held power tools do not effectively protect the tool interface while providing focused illumination for the workspace.

Innovation Solution

An attachment cap with a ring lens that is optically conductive and designed to encircle the tool holder, utilizing light guide elements to focus light from the tool's lighting element, thereby protecting the interface and illuminating the workspace.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a conventional attachment cap is used to protect the tool interface, then the interface protection function is provided, but the illumination of the workspace is not focused and effective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkspace illuminationVSAvoidattachment cap structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the interface protection function and the focused illumination function into a single attachment cap. The ring lens is integrated into the cap structure, allowing it to both protect the tool interface and focus light from the lighting element onto the workspace simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate protection and illumination devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ring lens acts as an optical intermediary between the lighting element and the workspace. It receives light from the lighting element and focuses it onto the workspace, transforming the diffuse light into concentrated illumination while being integrated into the protective cap structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If light guide elements are added to focus light, then the workspace illumination is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight direction controlVSAvoidattachment cap structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ring lens is positioned at a specific location on the attachment cap, directly above the lighting element, to provide localized focused illumination. This strategic placement ensures that light is directed precisely where needed on the workspace while maintaining a simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The ring lens utilizes its curved optical surface to focus light from the lighting element onto the workspace. The spherical or aspherical geometry of the lens enables effective light concentration and direction control through optical refraction, achieving precise light control without complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 solution effectively protects the tool interface and provides focused illumination, enhancing user experience by ensuring the light is directed where needed, improving visibility and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

at least one light guide element for guiding light from a lighting element of the hand-held power tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical conduction: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

An optically conductive ring lens that can be arranged around a tool holder of the hand-held power tool and is designed to illuminate a workstation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight focusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentEP4201596A1Hand-held machine tool
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP4201596A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4201596A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3a
  • EP4201596A1 patent drawingFigure 3b~3c

AI summary

A mounting cap (200) for a hand-held power tool (100), in particular a cordless screwdriver, is disclosed, comprising at least one connecting element (210) for detachable connection to an interface (170) of the hand-held power tool (100), at least one light guide element (220) for guiding light from a lighting element (180) of the hand-held power tool (100), and an at least partially circumferential mounting element (240) by means of which the mounting cap (200) can be arranged on the hand-held power tool (100). It is proposed that the mounting cap (200) includes an optically conductive ring lens (260) that can be arranged around a tool holder (128) of the hand-held power tool (100) and is designed to illuminate a work area.