Removable Tool-Mounted Camera for Replaceable Electric Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric tool systems face the issue where the service life of the tool device is shorter than the camera device, leading to ineffective use of the camera unit once the tool device can no longer function.

Innovation Solution

An electric tool system is designed with a removable camera device that includes an image capturing unit and communication module, allowing it to be detached and replaced independently from the tool device, enabling continued use of the camera device beyond the tool's service life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a mechanical connection structure is provided between the camera device and electric tool to prevent relative movement, then connection stability is improved, but the number of parts and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera device is integrated directly into the tool handle structure, merging two separate devices into one unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical connection components while maintaining stable connection, thereby reducing part count and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool handle is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the gripping structure for the power tool and the mounting structure for the camera device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated mounting mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining connection stability.

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

2Device complexity

If the camera device is held by hand during operation, then device complexity is reduced, but operational stability and image quality deteriorate due to vibrations and shocks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting structureVSAvoidoperational stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The camera device is merged with the tool handle structure, creating an integrated unit that is held together during operation. This eliminates hand-holding requirements while maintaining operational stability, as the camera is firmly attached to the vibrating tool handle through the integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a complex mechanical connection structure is used to prevent relative movement, then connection stability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The camera device and tool handle are designed as integrated structures that can be manufactured as single pieces or pre-assembled units. This merging approach simplifies the manufacturing process compared to assembling multiple separate mechanical connection components, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4286098A1Electric tool system, electric tool device, and camera device
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP4286098A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4286098A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4286098A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electric tool system that allows each of an electric tool device and a camera device to be individually replaced. An electric tool system (1) includes an electric tool device (2) and a camera device (3). The electric tool device (2) has a drive unit (21) and an electric tool communication unit (22). The drive unit (21) performs tightening work of tightening a tightening component to a work target. The electric tool communication unit (22) performs communication with outside. The camera device (3) has a fixing unit (31), an image capturing unit (32), and a camera communication unit (33). The fixing unit (31) is removably attached to the electric tool device (2). The image capturing unit (32) captures an image of at least the work target. The camera communication unit (33) performs communication with the outside.