Handheld Tool Ignition Fault Detection via Acceleration Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand-held tools with data acquisition units struggle to efficiently monitor and diagnose ignition or setting faults, which can impair their operation due to ignition interference or energy release disturbances, lacking effective methods for real-time fault detection and maintenance optimization.

Innovation Solution

A method that records trigger switch actuations and accelerations within a limited time frame, determining fault-free or faulty ignition/settting based on acceleration thresholds and profiles, allowing for efficient monitoring and internal measures to address failures, with options for displaying or remotely transmitting fault data for maintenance optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensor means and controllers are added to detect acceleration and trigger switch actuations, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensor functions (acceleration detection, trigger switch actuation detection) into a single integrated data acquisition unit. This merging approach maintains high measurement precision for detecting ignition faults while reducing device complexity by eliminating separate sensor modules and their associated wiring and control circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If real-time monitoring of acceleration and trigger actuations is implemented, then reliability and fault detection capability improve, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveignition fault detectionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic sampling of acceleration data at specific intervals (e.g., 100 Hz or 1 kHz) rather than continuous monitoring. The controller activates the acceleration sensor only during critical periods such as ignition events or suspected fault conditions, thereby maintaining high reliability for fault detection while significantly reducing overall energy consumption during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If acceleration threshold monitoring and fault detection methods are implemented, then productivity and operational efficiency improve, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidfault detection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses adjustable acceleration thresholds that can be modified based on operating conditions, tool type, and application requirements. The controller automatically adapts threshold values to differentiate between normal operational vibrations and actual ignition faults, simplifying the detection process while maintaining high productivity. Pre-programmed threshold values for different tool configurations further reduce the complexity of fault detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables simple and efficient monitoring of ignition/setting failure rates, facilitating internal corrective actions and user notifications, optimizing maintenance through real-time data and remote evaluation.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sensor device, in particular an acceleration sensor, which serves to detect acceleration forces occurring during a setting or impact impulse

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration sensing: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP2931482B1Method for operating a hand-held working device
Publication Date: 2018.10.17 HILTI AG
  • EP2931482B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a hand-held working device (1), which comprises a data acquisition unit (24) in which actuations of the trigger switch and accelerations of the working device (1) are captured. In order to further simplify and/or improve the operation of the hand-held working device, it is monitored within a limited period of time after actuation of the trigger switch whether an acceleration of the working device (1) exceeds an acceleration threshold in order to detect trouble-free ignitions and/or ignition problems during the operation of the working device (1).