Servomotor Switching Ring for Hand-Held Power Tool Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handheld power tools lack a convenient and fully automatic mechanism for switching between non-impact and impact operating modes, often requiring manual intervention and lacking reliable position detection and feedback systems.

Innovation Solution

A handheld power tool with a drive unit featuring an actuatable switching ring actuated by a servomotor, equipped with a position detection unit and deactivation elements, allowing for comfortable and automatic switching between non-impact and impact modes, along with visual and electronic feedback to the user.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a manual switching mechanism is used for changing operating modes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation and automation are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of mode switchingVSAvoidswitching mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching mechanism automatically detects the current operating mode through position detection units and actuates the switching ring without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using sensors to monitor the state and electronically controlling the switching process, eliminating the need for complex manual switching mechanisms while maintaining simplicity in the overall design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If an automatic switching mechanism with position detection is implemented, then the extent of automation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic mode switchingVSAvoiddetection and control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical switching mechanisms with an electronic actuation system. The switching ring is actuated electronically based on signals from position detection units, substituting mechanical linkages and manual operations with electronic control. This reduces mechanical complexity while achieving full automation of the mode switching process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the switching ring is made highly responsive and easy to actuate, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of mode activation may be worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching ring actuationVSAvoidmode activation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates position detection units that continuously monitor the switching ring's position and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism ensures that the mode activation is reliable by confirming that the switching ring has reached the correct position, while the switching ring itself remains easy to actuate through simple rotational movement. The feedback loop verifies proper mode activation without requiring complex actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3389942B1Hand-held power tool comprising a percussion mechanism
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3389942B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3389942B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3389942B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a hand-held power tool (10) comprising a drive unit (20) for driving a working tool (42) in at least one non-percussive mode of operation, wherein the drive unit (20) comprises a percussion mechanism (30) for the percussive operation of the working tool (42) in an associated percussion mode, and wherein the drive unit (20) comprises a actuatable switching ring for switching the drive unit (20) between the at least one non-percussive mode of operation and the associated percussion mode, a servomotor is provided to actuate upon activation the actuatable switching ring for switching the drive unit (20) between the at least one non-percussive mode of operation and the associated percussion mode.