Universal Bus Handheld Tool Modules for Safe Fault-Resistant Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional handheld devices are limited in their ability to perform complex tasks safely and reliably, especially when operated by users without specialized knowledge, leading to incorrect operations and safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A modular handheld device design featuring a processing and drive unit connected via a universal bus connection with additional components, including a detection and control adapter, allowing for equal communication and flexible assembly, and a separate wireless communication link for enhanced control and data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional handheld devices are used without specialized knowledge, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability and safety deteriorate due to incorrect operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through sensors that monitor operational parameters (torque, rotation angle, current) and provide real-time information to both the control unit and the user via display or warnings. This allows users without specialized knowledge to operate devices safely by receiving guidance and alerts about abnormal conditions, thus improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs self-monitoring and self-regulation through integrated sensors and control units that automatically detect abnormal operating conditions and trigger warnings or shutdowns. This self-service capability ensures reliable operation without requiring specialized user knowledge, as the device protects itself from misuse.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If modular components with universal bus connection are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal bus connection system that enables multiple different components (sensors, actuators, display units) to communicate with the control unit through a standardized interface. This universality allows the same communication backbone to support various functional modules, improving adaptability while managing complexity through standardization rather than requiring unique communication protocols for each component.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The device is divided into modular segments (processing and drive unit, power supply unit, detection unit, control unit) that can be independently designed, manufactured, and replaced. Each segment communicates through the universal bus, allowing flexibility in configuration while distributing complexity across independent modules rather than requiring a monolithic complex system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If multiple sensors and control units are integrated, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensors (torque sensor, rotation angle sensor, current sensor) and control functions into an integrated system where all components connect to a central control unit through the universal bus. This merging approach improves reliability through comprehensive monitoring while managing complexity by consolidating control logic in one unit rather than distributing it across multiple independent control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4140657B1Hand-held device with components communicable by means of universal bus connection with equal rights
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 ADOLF WURTH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4140657B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4140657B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4140657B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Handheld device (100) for manual operation by a user, wherein the handheld device (100) comprises a processing and drive unit (102) designed for processing a substrate (104) by means of a drive force, and at least one further component (152) that is electromechanically connectable or coupled to the processing and drive unit (102), wherein the processing and drive unit (102) and the at least one further component (152) are designed for equal communication with each other by means of a universal bus connection (150).