Trigger Movement Sequence Control for Portable Power Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable power tools require additional haptic members for auxiliary functions, which are costly to manufacture and inconvenient to use, as they necessitate releasing the trigger and using a second hand, posing safety risks and limiting functionality.
Innovation Solution
A portable power tool with an electronic circuit that detects predetermined trigger movement sequences to execute auxiliary functions without additional haptic members, allowing for intuitive command entry through sequences like double-clicks and holds, and a semi-permanent memory system for data storage across power supply units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional haptic members are added to control auxiliary functions, then the tool's functionality is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger is designed to perform multiple functions: primary blade control through pressing, and auxiliary function control through specific movement sequences (double-click, hold, release patterns). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate haptic members for auxiliary functions, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines auxiliary function controls with the primary trigger mechanism by defining specific movement sequences (e.g., double-click within 500ms, hold for 1 second, release patterns) that execute additional functions. This merging integrates multiple control functions into a single haptic member, reducing the total number of components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional haptic members are added for auxiliary functions, then the tool's functionality is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger serves multiple purposes: primary blade actuation and auxiliary function control through defined movement sequences. This eliminates the need to manufacture and wire additional haptic members, buttons, or dials, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the auxiliary function control capability from separate physical components and embeds it within the trigger's movement patterns. By taking out the need for additional haptic members and implementing control logic in software/firmware based on trigger movement sequences, manufacturing complexity and cost are reduced.
3Adaptability or versatility
If haptic elements are used for auxiliary functions, then the tool's functionality is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring both hands
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger controls both primary blade operation and auxiliary functions through different movement sequences, allowing all controls to be performed with one hand. Users can execute auxiliary functions (standby mode, blade position adjustment) without releasing the trigger or using the second hand, maintaining continuous control and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger maintains continuous control throughout operation. Auxiliary functions are activated through specific movements (double-click, hold patterns) without requiring release or switching to another control mechanism. This continuous one-handed control eliminates interruptions and maintains operational safety.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple haptic elements are added, then the tool's functionality is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased wiring and potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts auxiliary function control from separate physical components with associated wiring and implements it through software logic that monitors trigger movement sequences. This eliminates additional wiring, connectors, and potential failure points, improving system reliability while maintaining functionality.
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 cost-effective and safer operation by eliminating the need for additional haptic members, allowing for hands-free access to auxiliary functions and storing usage data persistently across different power supplies.
Implementation Method 1
The trigger is fitted with a movable magnet so that its instantaneous position can be determined using a fixed Hall effect sensor
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A power tool comprising: a trigger (23); a motor (22); a blade (25) driven by said motor (22); and an electronic circuit (10) for controlling the angular position or speed of the motor (22) as a function of the instantaneous position of the trigger. The electronic circuit (10) is arranged to detect a predetermined sequence of trigger (23) movement and to execute a function in response to the detection of such a sequence.