Wireless Tool Adapters for Automatic Vacuum Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power tools lack efficient automation for coordinating the activation and deactivation of secondary tools, such as vacuums, which can lead to increased user fatigue and reduced effectiveness in dust removal during operations like sawing or drilling.

Innovation Solution

A system that enables wireless communication between power tools and vacuums, allowing for automatic activation and deactivation based on the operation status of the primary tool, utilizing electronic controllers and communication adapters to synchronize tool operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual activation and deactivation of vacuum is used, then user control is maintained, but user fatigue increases and operation convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation convenienceVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum system automatically detects the operational status of the power tool through wireless communication and self-activates or self-deactivates based on detected signals, eliminating the need for manual user intervention and reducing user fatigue while maintaining operational convenience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual activation and deactivation of vacuum is used, then user control is maintained, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary pairing and signal configuration between the power tool and vacuum before actual operation begins. During operation, the vacuum proactively monitors for activation signals from the power tool and automatically responds, eliminating delays associated with manual activation and improving overall operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If wireless communication hardware and controllers are integrated into each tool, then automated coordination is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs universal wireless communication protocols and standardized controller interfaces that can be integrated into various power tools and vacuums. This multi-functionality approach allows different tool types to communicate through a common language, enabling automated coordination without proportionally increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Extent of automation

If wireless communication is implemented between tools, then automated activation and deactivation is achieved, but dust removal effectiveness may be compromised due to system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoiddust removal effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the vacuum continuously monitors its operational status and the power tool's activity state through wireless communication. This closed-loop feedback ensures that the vacuum responds appropriately to actual operating conditions, maintaining dust removal effectiveness while achieving automated coordination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11360450B2Adapters for communication between power tools
Publication Date: 2022.06.14 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP
  • US11360450B2 patent drawing
  • US11360450B2 patent drawing
  • US11360450B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems are provided for a power tool in control of a vacuum. In response to activation input, the power tool controls a motor for driving power tool operation and wirelessly transmits a control signal to a vacuum. In response to receiving the control signal, the vacuum controls a motor for driving operation of the vacuum. The power tool, the vacuum, or both include a wireless communication pairing butting for paring the power tool and the vacuum. The power tool and/or the vacuum may be cordless and powered by a battery pack.