Sensor Grip Control for Intuitive Hand Tool Torque Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand tools lack intuitive operation and safety features, leading to potential operating errors and reduced user security, especially in applications requiring precise control and torque adjustments.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a grip area with a soft component and a sensor unit that detects shear deformation and shear force, allowing the control unit to adjust drive characteristics based on user touch parameters, thereby enabling intuitive operation and enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hand tools use conventional control mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation and safety are worsened due to lack of intuitive control and user action monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical control mechanisms with a sensor-based detection system. The sensor unit detects touch parameters (pressure, position, duration) on the grip area, and the control unit processes these signals to automatically adjust drive characteristics. This substitution enables intuitive operation through natural gripping actions while maintaining relatively simple device architecture by using electronic sensing rather than complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand tool system provides self-service by automatically detecting user intent through grip characteristics and autonomously adjusting operational parameters. The sensor unit continuously monitors touch parameters, and the control unit automatically modifies drive characteristics without requiring manual intervention or complex control inputs from the user, making the tool adapt to user needs seamlessly.
2Reliability
If hand tools lack sensor-based monitoring, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability and safety are worsened due to inability to detect user actions and adjust accordingly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor unit continuously monitors touch parameters on the grip area, transmits signals to the control unit, which then adjusts drive characteristics based on detected user actions. This closed-loop feedback system enhances reliability and safety by enabling real-time detection of user intent and automatic adjustment of tool operation, preventing operating errors while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular sensor and control components.
3Ease of operation
If hand tools use soft components in grip area, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision and sensor detection accuracy are worsened due to deformation variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the measurement precision challenge by implementing a calibration process that establishes reference values for touch parameters under known grip conditions. The control unit uses these reference values to interpret sensor signals, compensating for variations in soft component deformation. This allows the system to maintain high grip comfort through soft components while achieving accurate detection of user intent through parameter-based calibration and comparison.
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 provides intuitive operation, reduces operating errors, and enhances user safety by accurately monitoring and responding to user actions, ensuring precise control and torque adjustments in hand tools.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor unit detects a shear force resulting from the shear deformation as a touch parameter
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hand-held power tool with at least one grip area (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d), with at least one sensor unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d) which is used to record at least one parameter of the grip area (10a; 10b ; 10c; 10d) is provided, and with at least one control unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d) which is used to change at least one drive parameter of a drive unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d) from at least a first drive parameter value to at least a second Drive parameter value is provided at least as a function of at least one sensor signal of the sensor unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d).