Wireless Tool Adapters for Automatic Vacuum Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tools lack efficient mechanisms for automatic activation and deactivation of secondary tools, such as vacuums, to enhance dust removal and reduce user fatigue in working environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for tool-to-tool communication using removably coupled communication adapters that enable detection of tool activation or deactivation, allowing for wireless communication and responsive control of secondary tools like vacuums, with integrated controllers and wireless communication hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual activation of vacuum is used, then user control is simple, but user fatigue increases and dust removal efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system automatically detects power tool activation through wireless communication signals and activates itself without user intervention. The controller monitors for presence signals from power tools and autonomously controls vacuum motor activation, eliminating the need for manual user action while improving dust removal efficiency.
2Productivity
If automatic tool activation is implemented, then dust removal improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication adapter serves multiple functions: it acts as a wireless communication interface, a signal translator between different tool protocols, and an automatic activation controller. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional component, the system achieves automatic dust collection without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication adapter serves as an intermediary device that bridges the power tool and vacuum controller. It receives wireless signals from the power tool, processes the activation command, and triggers vacuum operation. This intermediary approach simplifies the direct control architecture while enabling automatic activation functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication hardware is added, then tool-to-tool communication is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication adapter integrates wireless communication hardware with power interface functionality, allowing a single component to handle both electrical power transmission and wireless data communication. This multi-functionality enables tool-to-tool interaction without adding separate dedicated communication modules to each tool.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for a power tool in control of a vacuum. In response to activation input, the power tool controls a motor for driving power tool operation and wirelessly transmits a control signal to a vacuum. In response to receiving the control signal, the vacuum controls a motor for driving operation of the vacuum. The power tool, the vacuum, or both include a wireless communication pairing butting for paring the power tool and the vacuum. The power tool and/or the vacuum may be cordless and powered by a battery pack.