Trigger Pattern Motor Control for Power Tool Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand-held power tools for setting screws lack efficient modes of operation that can be easily switched by users, leading to increased cost and weight due to separate switches or additional gear stages.

Innovation Solution

A method and machine that utilize a trigger-pulling pattern to control the motor's mode of operation, allowing users to switch between different modes (e.g., rotational speed and torque) without additional switches or gear stages, using a controller to determine and adjust the motor's operation based on the trigger pattern.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate switches or additional gear stages are added to enable mode switching, then the machine can operate in different modes (rotational speed and torque), but the cost and weight of the machine increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidmachine weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the activation mechanism for motor operation and the mode selection switch. By detecting different pulling patterns (single pull vs. double pull within time interval), the same component enables different operational modes without requiring separate switches or gear stages, thereby maintaining low weight while providing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical switching mechanisms (separate switches or gear stages) with an electronic control system that detects trigger pulling patterns. The controller electronically determines the mode based on the pattern recognition algorithm, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic intelligence, which reduces overall machine weight while maintaining mode switching capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate switches or additional gear stages are added to enable mode switching, then the machine can operate in different modes (rotational speed and torque), but the cost of the machine increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger serves multiple functions as both activation mechanism and mode selector, eliminating the need for separate switches or gear stages. This reduces the bill of materials and assembly complexity, directly lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining adaptability for different operational modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical switching components with an electronic control system that uses pattern recognition algorithms to determine operational modes. This substitution eliminates expensive mechanical parts and simplifies manufacturing processes, reducing overall production cost while enabling mode switching capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional switches are used for mode switching, then different operational modes can be selected, but the operation becomes less intuitive and requires more hands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode selection capabilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger performs dual functions as both the operational activation mechanism and the mode selection interface. Users naturally pull the trigger once or twice based on their intended operation, making mode selection intuitive and requiring only one hand. This eliminates the need for separate mode switches that would require additional manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically determines the operational mode by detecting the trigger pulling pattern itself, without requiring the user to manually select modes through separate controls. The controller autonomously interprets the user's intent based on the pulling pattern, making the operation self-service and highly intuitive while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 easy-to-learn, one-handed operation of hand-held power tools, reducing costs and weight by eliminating the need for separate switches or additional gear stages, while providing flexible and efficient screw-setting capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a motor configured to provide rotational energy to the screw

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250108490A1Machine and method for running a machine

Publication Date: 2025.04.03 HILTI AG

AI summary

A machine and a method for setting a screw is provided, wherein the machine comprises a motor and a trigger, includes providing electric current to the motor upon pulling the trigger. A pattern according to which the trigger is pulled may be determined and the motor may be controlled to run in a first mode of operation if the trigger is pulled according to a first pattern or in a second mode of operation if the trigger is pulled according to a second pattern.