Single Sensor Detecting Dual Accessory Attachment via Intermediate Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools that allow two types of detachable accessories face a cost increase due to the need for individual sensors to detect both accessories, as seen in configurations that require both a cover and a side handle to be attached before allowing tool operation.

Innovation Solution

A tool design incorporating a single sensor that detects the attachment of two types of accessories using intermediate members, where the first intermediate member indicates the attachment of the first accessory and the second intermediate member indicates the attachment of the second accessory, utilizing a photoelectric or ultrasonic sensor to determine the attachment state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If individual sensors are provided for each accessory (cover and side handle), then the attachment detection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment detection reliabilityVSAvoidsensor quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the detection functions for two separate accessories (cover and side handle) into a single sensor system. The sensor detects the attachment state of both accessories simultaneously by monitoring the positions of two intermediate members, thereby reducing the total number of sensors from two to one while maintaining detection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single sensor is designed to perform multiple detection functions - it detects both the cover attachment state and the side handle attachment state. This multi-functional sensor replaces what would traditionally require two separate specialized sensors, reducing system complexity while preserving comprehensive monitoring capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a single sensor is used to detect both accessories, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor quantityVSAvoidattachment state detection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces two intermediate members as mediators between the accessories and the single sensor. Each intermediate member is specifically coupled to one accessory (cover or side handle) and translates its attachment state into a detectable position change. This intermediary mechanism allows the single sensor to accurately distinguish between different accessory attachment states without direct contact with the accessories themselves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system is segmented into separate detection paths for each accessory, with each path having its own intermediate member. This segmentation within the unified sensor system allows precise independent detection of each accessory's attachment state while using a single sensor, thereby maintaining measurement precision without requiring multiple sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This configuration allows the tool to detect the attachment of both accessories using a single sensor, reducing component costs and complexity while ensuring the tool operates only when both accessories are properly attached.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a photoelectric or ultrasonic sensor to determine the attachment state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a photoelectric or ultrasonic sensor to determine the attachment state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS12194596B2Tool with single sensor to detect attachment of side grip and cover

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 MAKITA CORP

AI summary

A tool includes a first accessory, a second accessory, a first attachment portion configured to allow the first accessory to be detachably attached thereto, a second attachment portion configured to allow the second accessory to be detachably attached thereto, a first intermediate member configured to be displaced from a first non-attachment position to a first attachment position by the attachment of the first accessory to the first attachment portion, a second intermediate member configured to be displaced from a second non-attachment position to a second attachment position by the attachment of the second accessory to the second attachment portion, and a single sensor configured to detect a specific state in which the first intermediate member is located at the first attachment position and the second intermediate member is located at the second attachment position.