Control module for flywheel operated hand tool
First Claim
1. A control module for a hand tool powered by DC power having a rotary member;
- comprising;
a target speed adjustment circuit operable to electronically communicate a target speed signal, wherein said target speed signal represents a target speed for the rotary member;
a speed sensor circuit operable to electronically communicate a rotary speed signal, wherein said rotary speed signal represents a rotary speed of the rotary member, wherein said rotary speed is determined by a sensor;
a trigger circuit electronically operable to communicate a trigger signal, wherein said trigger signal represents engagement of a trigger by a user; and
a controller having a plurality of inputs and outputs;
wherein the inputs of the controller comprise input signals comprising the target speed signal, the rotary speed signal, and the trigger signal;
wherein the controller is operably configured to command the rotary member with electronic communication of a first command signal in response to a function comprising a first function of the input signals.
8 Assignments
0 Petitions
Reexamination
Accused Products
Abstract
A control module advantageously reduces cost and enhances reliability, design flexibility, ease of assembly, and performance of a flywheel operated hand tool. The control module includes a thin film printed circuit with non-contact speed sensing of a flywheel to more accurately set the target speed and control transfer kinetic energy thereof to a fastener, achieving a desired depth regardless of variations in component performance and battery voltage. The printed circuit also includes long service life thin film switches for responding to trigger and safety inputs. Furthermore, the control module responds to a user speed selection and to preset speed selection ranges to reconfigure the controls as appropriate to constraints of a fastener drive assembly and to user preferences.
74 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A control module for a hand tool powered by DC power having a rotary member;
comprising; a target speed adjustment circuit operable to electronically communicate a target speed signal, wherein said target speed signal represents a target speed for the rotary member; a speed sensor circuit operable to electronically communicate a rotary speed signal, wherein said rotary speed signal represents a rotary speed of the rotary member, wherein said rotary speed is determined by a sensor; a trigger circuit electronically operable to communicate a trigger signal, wherein said trigger signal represents engagement of a trigger by a user; and a controller having a plurality of inputs and outputs;
wherein the inputs of the controller comprise input signals comprising the target speed signal, the rotary speed signal, and the trigger signal;
wherein the controller is operably configured to command the rotary member with electronic communication of a first command signal in response to a function comprising a first function of the input signals.- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
Specification