Tool Base Module With Coupling Device For Attachment Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handheld power tools lack a versatile and efficient mechanism for independent use and attachment, often requiring separate power supplies for each device, which complicates user experience and resource management.

Innovation Solution

A tool base module with a drive unit, main output, and coupling device featuring a mechanical and electrical interface that allows for detachable mechanical and electrical connections to attachment devices, enabling independent use and efficient power transmission, including a gear unit for speed adaptation and a control unit for optimizing attachment device operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate power supplies are used for each power tool device, then each device can operate independently, but resource management becomes complicated and user experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent operation capabilityVSAvoidpower supply management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool base module is designed as a universal power source that can drive both attachment devices and stand-alone devices. The electrical interface and control unit enable the single power supply to intelligently adapt to different device types, providing reliable independent operation while simplifying power supply management through centralized control

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a coupling device with mechanical interface is provided for attachment connection, then attachment devices can be connected, but the system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment device compatibilityVSAvoidcoupling mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device integrates multiple functions into a single mechanism: mechanical connection for torque transmission, electrical connection for power and signal transmission, and control unit integration for intelligent device management. This merging approach enables attachment device compatibility while avoiding the complexity of separate independent systems for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrical interface is added for power transmission to attachments, then attachments with electrical functions can be used, but resource efficiency decreases due to additional power supply requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical function capabilityVSAvoidpower supply efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical interface is designed to provide universal power and signal transmission capability. The control unit intelligently manages power distribution to the electrical interface based on the connected device's requirements, enabling attachments with electrical functions while optimizing power supply efficiency through centralized resource management rather than requiring separate power supplies for each device

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

Data Source

PatentEP3389936B1Tool basic module
Publication Date: 2023.02.08 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3389936B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3389936B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3389936B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a tool basic module for, in particular, stand-alone use, comprising a drive unit (12a), a main output (14a; 14b), and a coupling device that has a mechanical interface (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h) for establishing a mechanical drive connection between at least one attachment device (18a, 20a, 22a; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h) and said main output (14a; 14b). According to the invention, said coupling device comprises an electrical interface (24a; 24b; 24c) which transmits a low power and/or a low current, and is provided to establish an electrical connection, coupled to said mechanical connection, between the at least one attachment device (18a, 20a, 22a; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h) and the main output (14a; 14b).