Wireless Adapter System for Power Tool Device Sync

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for synchronously operating power tools and electrical devices on construction sites are inconvenient and pose safety risks due to the need for manual switching, with limited flexibility and compatibility across different manufacturers and power sources.

Innovation Solution

A system featuring adapter arrangements with radio modules for data transmission and controllable switching devices, allowing any electrical device to be automatically controlled by a power tool, regardless of the power source, and enabling flexible operation across various devices and manufacturers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual switching of electrical devices is implemented, then operational control is achieved, but convenience and safety are reduced due to multiple manual steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of operationVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables electrical devices to automatically switch on and off based on the operational state of the power tool. The control unit detects when the power tool is activated and automatically activates connected electrical devices without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit continuously monitors the operational state of the power tool and uses this feedback information to automatically control the switching of electrical devices. When the power tool is detected as active, the control unit sends signals to activate connected devices, creating a closed-loop control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If adapter arrangements are designed for specific manufacturers, then compatibility with that manufacturer's devices is ensured, but versatility across different manufacturers and power sources is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility across manufacturersVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter arrangement is designed with universal interfaces and communication protocols that can work with power tools and electrical devices from different manufacturers. The control unit can detect and adapt to various device types and power sources (mains-powered or battery-powered), enabling a single adapter design to serve multiple functions across different device ecosystems.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter arrangement dynamically adapts its configuration based on the detected power tool and electrical device characteristics. The control unit can adjust communication parameters and control strategies in real-time to maintain compatibility across different manufacturers and device types without requiring multiple specialized adapters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Extent of automation

If integration of power cable into dust extraction hose is implemented, then automatic power supply is achieved, but handling flexibility and ease of operation are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic activationVSAvoidhandling flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the power supply function from the dust extraction hose by using wireless communication between the power tool and the adapter arrangement on the electrical device. This segmentation eliminates the need to integrate a power cable into the hose, maintaining the hose's flexibility and ease of handling while still achieving automatic activation through radio frequency communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical connection of a power cable to the dust extraction hose is replaced with a wireless communication system. The power tool communicates its operational state via radio frequency to the adapter arrangement, which then automatically activates the electrical device, eliminating the need for physical cable integration and preserving handling flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If multiple electrical devices are controlled simultaneously, then operational efficiency is improved, but system complexity and monitoring requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit consolidates the control of multiple electrical devices into a single centralized unit. Instead of requiring separate control mechanisms for each device, the control unit receives a single input from the power tool and distributes control signals to multiple connected electrical devices, managing them as a unified group to maintain simplicity while improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3272467B1Adapter arrangement system
Publication Date: 2021.12.22 METABOWERKE
  • EP3272467B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3272467B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3272467B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a system comprising at least a first adapter arrangement (1) that can be connected to a power tool (2) on the one hand and at least a second adapter arrangement (3) that can be connected to at least one electrical device (4) on the other hand, in particular to a light source (4.1) and/or a suction device (4.2) and/or a heater and/or a ventilation device and/or a filter device.According to the invention, the at least one first adapter arrangement (1) comprises a radio module (FM1) for transmitting data to the at least one second adapter arrangement (3), wherein the at least one second adapter arrangement (3) comprises a radio module (FM2) for receiving data from the at least one first adapter arrangement (1) and is further provided for establishing or disconnecting an electrical connection between the electrical device (4) connected to the second adapter arrangement (3) and an electrical power source (10), and for this purpose has an input-side interface (3.1) as well as an output-side interface (3.2) and a controllable switching device (3.3), and wherein the controllable switching device (3.3) is electrically connected to the radio module (FM2) for receiving data and is configured to selectively establish or disconnect an electrical connection between the input-side interface (3.1) and the output-side interface (3.2).