Wireless Drill Programming for Adaptive Fastener Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tools have fixed control algorithms that do not adapt to the specific characteristics of fastening applications, leading to improper fastener setting and nuisance trips.
Innovation Solution
A method for remotely programming power tools, such as drill drivers, by receiving descriptors via a wireless link from a computing device to modify fastener setting algorithms, allowing for tailored threshold values based on the fastening application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed control algorithms are pre-programmed into the power tool at manufacturing, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability to different fastening applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability by allowing control algorithms to be updated remotely after manufacturing. The controller can receive and execute new control algorithms wirelessly, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to different fastening applications without requiring physical reprogramming or manufacturing changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes by allowing the control algorithms and their associated parameters to be modified remotely. Different control algorithms with different parameter sets can be loaded based on the specific fastening application, enabling the same hardware to optimize performance across diverse conditions without physical modification.
2Device complexity
If fixed parameter values are used in the fastener setting algorithm, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of fastener setting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly addresses this contradiction by enabling parameter changes. The control algorithm receives different parameter values based on the detected fastening application, allowing precise optimization for each specific scenario (fastener type, material, thickness) without increasing the fundamental complexity of the device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback by detecting characteristics of the fastening application (fastener type, material, thickness) and using this information to select or adjust the appropriate control algorithm and parameters, thereby achieving precise fastener setting adaptively without manual intervention or increased device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If pre-programmed control algorithms are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of fastener setting deteriorates due to improper setting and nuisance trips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the controller detect characteristics of the fastening application (fastener type, material, thickness) and use this information to select the appropriate control algorithm. This closed-loop approach ensures the tool adapts to actual conditions, improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automatic adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, fixed algorithm approach to a dynamic one where the control algorithm is selected or modified based on real-time detection of fastening conditions. This dynamic adaptation improves reliability by matching the control parameters to the actual application without requiring user intervention.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the control algorithm is updated remotely via wireless link, then the adaptability to different fastening applications is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses wireless communication as an intermediary to transfer control algorithms from an external source to the controller. This allows the controller to receive and execute updated algorithms without physical access or complex reprogramming interfaces, achieving high adaptability with minimal added complexity in the tool itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or manual reprogramming methods with wireless electronic communication. Instead of physically accessing the controller to update algorithms, the system uses wireless data transmission, simplifying the user interface and reducing the complexity of physical reconfiguration mechanisms while enabling flexible adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A drill system including a drill and a secondary computing device. The drill includes a housing, a controller, a wireless transceiver, a motor, and a chuck. The motor, the controller and the wireless transceiver are housed in the housing. The chuck is selectively driven by the motor. The secondary computing device includes a wireless transceiver which allows wireless communication between the drill and the secondary computing device. The secondary computing device further includes a user interface configured to allow an operator to change operating parameters of the drill. The operating parameters are configured to be automatically reset.