Vibration Notification Device in Electric Tool Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric tools using LEDs and buzzers for notifications may not be noticed by operators in bright or noisy work environments, leading to decreased efficiency and increased risk of machine failure due to unnoticed consumable depletion, temperature abnormalities, or low battery states.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a vibration generating device within the tool's grip, which generates vibrations to notify the operator of the tool's state, complemented by light and sound sources that can be automatically or manually switched based on notification content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If LED is used for notification, then visual notification is provided, but it is difficult to distinguish lighting state in bright work environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from visual notification (LED) to tactile notification (vibration motor), changing the dimension of sensory feedback from sight to touch. This allows operators to receive notifications through vibration even in bright environments where visual cues are imperceptible.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration motor acts as an intermediary device that converts electrical signals into tactile vibrations, providing a medium through which notification information can be transmitted independently of lighting conditions.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If buzzer is used for notification, then auditory notification is provided, but it is difficult to listen to sound in high noise level environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts from auditory notification (buzzer) to tactile notification (vibration motor), changing the sensory modality from hearing to touch. This enables operators to perceive notifications through vibration even when ambient noise levels make auditory cues indistinguishable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple notification methods are provided, then notification coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration motor serves multiple notification purposes (consumable levels, errors, warnings) that were previously handled by separate LED and buzzer systems. This multi-functional approach maintains notification versatility while reducing overall system complexity.
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
Ensures the operator can intuitively notice notifications even in challenging environments, reducing the risk of machine failure and improving work efficiency by providing tactile feedback through vibration.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration generating device for generating vibration to notify a state of the machine
Data Source
AI summary
A tool is portable and is to be used with a grip of the tool gripped thereon. The tool includes a vibration generating device. The vibration generating device is configured to generate vibration to notify a state of a machine. The vibration generating device is disposed inside the grip. The vibration generating device is disposed to vibrate in a direction substantially orthogonal to an axial direction of the grip.