Handheld Tool Motion Sensor Orientation Feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Operators of handheld tools, especially those less experienced, face challenges in maintaining the orientation of tools during operations on uneven or sloped surfaces, as manual control is difficult and prone to errors, necessitating a means to accurately monitor and correct tool orientation.

Innovation Solution

A motion monitoring device for handheld tools, incorporating a motion sensor to detect orientation and a processor to determine tilting ranges, coupled with visual, tactile, or audible indicators to provide feedback on orientation status, and a communication module for external device interaction, allowing for calibration and adjustment of tilting thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If operators rely on naked eye judgment to control tool orientation, then the device complexity remains low, but the orientation control precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorientation control precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/visual judgment system with electronic sensors (acceleration sensors, gyroscopes) and processing units that electronically detect and measure tool orientation, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate components including sensors, processing units, and display devices that mediate between the tool and the operator, providing processed orientation information that enhances control precision while keeping the added complexity manageable through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If operators manually control tool orientation on uneven or sloped ground, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the reliability of maintaining consistent orientation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorientation consistencyVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor tool orientation and provide real-time information through display devices, enabling operators to make corrective adjustments and maintain consistent orientation reliably across varying terrain conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service orientation monitoring and guidance, automatically detecting tool orientation and presenting correction information to the operator without requiring external assistance or complex manual measurement procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If no orientation feedback is provided to operators, then the device complexity remains low, but the productivity deteriorates due to repeated errors and corrections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor tool orientation and provide real-time information through display devices, enabling operators to make corrective adjustments and maintain consistent orientation reliably across varying terrain conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/visual judgment system with electronic sensors (acceleration sensors, gyroscopes) and processing units that electronically detect and measure tool orientation, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enhances operator control by providing real-time feedback on tool orientation, enabling precise handling and reducing errors on uneven surfaces, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of gardening tasks.

Implementation Method 1

a motion sensor arranged to detect orientation of the handheld tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

The motion sensor includes a gyroscope, an accelerometer, or an IMU sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP3517252B1Motion monitoring device for handheld tool
Publication Date: 2022.12.14 TECHTRONIC OUTDOOR PRODS TECH
  • EP3517252B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3517252B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3
  • EP3517252B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~5C

AI summary

A motion monitoring device for a handheld tool, in particular a handheld power tool. The device includes a motion sensor arranged to detect orientation of the handheld tool and a processor arranged to process the detected orientation to determine whether the orientation of the handheld tool is out of a predetermined tilting range.