Multi-Point Tool Accessory Detection With a Shared Intermediate Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tools with multiple accessory attachment points require multiple sensors to detect attachment, leading to increased component count and cost, particularly in large devices.

Innovation Solution

A single intermediate member is used in common for multiple attachment points, displaced by the accessory, and detected by a single sensor, reducing the need for individual sensors at each point.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If individual sensors are provided for each attachment portion to detect accessory attachment, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of sensors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single intermediate member is designed to serve multiple attachment portions simultaneously. When an accessory is attached to any of the plurality of attachment portions, the intermediate member is displaced in a unified manner, allowing one sensor to detect attachment status across all attachment points. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate sensors at each attachment portion while maintaining reliable detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If individual sensors are provided for each attachment portion, then detection precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment detection precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The detection function for multiple attachment portions is merged into a single sensing system. The intermediate member integrates the mechanical response from any attachment portion, and a single sensor captures this unified displacement signal. This merging approach maintains detection precision while significantly reducing component count and manufacturing cost compared to using multiple separate sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors are used for multiple attachment portions, then detection coverage is improved, but quantity of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidnumber of sensors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate member is designed with a structure that responds to accessory attachment at any of the multiple attachment portions through a common displacement mechanism. This universal response allows a single sensor to achieve comprehensive detection coverage across all attachment points, eliminating the need for multiple sensors while maintaining full adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12594643B2Tool

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 MAKITA CORP

AI summary

A tool includes a first accessory, at least two first attachment portions for detachably and selectively attaching the first accessory, and a single first intermediate member provided in common for the at least two first attachment portions. The first intermediate member includes at least one pressed portion configured to, when the first accessory is attached to one first attachment portion arbitrarily selected from the at least two first attachment portions, be directly or indirectly pressed by the first accessory. The first intermediate member is configured to be displaced when the at least one pressed portion is pressed. The tool further includes a single first sensor configured to detect that the first intermediate member is displaced.