Convertible intelligent power tool
View Patent ↗A convertible power tool that can operate in first and second configurations. The tool includes a base unit configured to receive at one time either a first module or a second module. The different modules provide for different levels of functionality. The first module includes one or more components that provide for a first level of functionality. The second module includes one or more components that provide for an advanced second level of functionality. Each of the base unit and first and second modules may include interfaces that provide for physical engagement as well as power/data engagement. In use, one of the first and second modules is connected to the base unit to provide for the desired functionality incorporated with the tool. The tool may also be reconfigured by removing the attached module and replacing it with the other module thus providing for a different functionality level.
1. A tool that is convertible between one of a first configuration and a second configuration, the tool comprising:
a base unit that receives power and data communications from a remote source, the base unit comprising:
a motor;
an output drive that is driven by the motor; and
a housing that extends around the motor and the output drive, the housing comprising a mounting platform;
a first module that does not include a servo amplifier, the first module comprising:
a first connector interface; and
a first housing that extends around the first connector interface, the first housing comprising a first mount;
a second module comprising:
a servo amplifier;
a processing circuit;
a second connector interface; and
a second housing that extends around the servo amplifier, the processing circuit, and the second connector interface, the second housing comprising a second mount;
the mounting platform of the base unit configured to removably connect to one of the first module and the second module;
a first configuration with the base unit and the first module connected together to move as a single component, the first configuration comprising the first housing of the first module physically contacting the housing and electrically removably connected to the base unit with the power and data communications from the remote source that are received at the base unit passing through the first module with the remote source external to the base unit and the first module and to not move together with the base unit and the first module;
a second configuration with the base unit and the second module connected together to move as a single component, the second configuration comprising the second housing of the second module physically contacting the housing and electrically removably connected to the base unit with the power and data communications from the remote source that are received at the base unit passing through the second module with the remote source external to the base unit and the second module and to not move together with the base unit and the second module.
2. The tool of claim 1 , further comprising a base port positioned at the mounting platform, a first port positioned at the first mount, and a second port positioned at the second mount, the first configuration comprising the first port physically and electrically engaging with the base port of the base unit, and the second configuration comprising the second port physically and electrically engaging with the base port of the base unit.
3. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the base unit further comprises a torque transducer and a gear unit.
4. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the first module comprises a first display screen and the second module comprise a second display screen.
5. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the motor of the base unit is configured to be adjustable based on signals received from a remote servo amplifier.
6. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the servo amplifier comprises an analog-to-digital converter.
7. A method of operating a tool comprising:
electrically and physically attaching a first module to a base unit with the first module positioned at a mounting position on the base unit, the first module does not include a servo amplifier;
operating the tool in a first configuration and moving the base unit and the first module together as a single component while power and data from a remote source pass through the first module to the base unit with the remote source external to and spaced away from each of the base unit and the first module;
removing the first module from the base unit;
electrically and physically attaching a second module at the mounting position on the base unit where the first module was previously attached, the second module comprising a servo amplifier;
operating the tool in a second configuration and moving the base unit and the second module together as a single component while the power and the data from the remote source pass through the second module to the base unit with the remote source external to and spaced away from each of the base unit and the second module; and
monitoring a motor in the base unit with the servo amplifier in the second module while operating the tool in the second configuration.
8. The method of claim 7 , further comprising engaging a base port on the base unit with a first port on the first module while the tool is in the first configuration and with a second port on the second module while the tool is in the second configuration.
9. The method of claim 7 , further comprising performing analog-to-digital conversions of motor signals at the servo amplifier.
10. The method of claim 7 , further comprising attaching the second module to a downstream tool and transferring power and data information through the second module to the downstream tool.
11. The method of claim 7 , further comprising contacting a first housing of the first module against a housing of the base unit in the first configuration and contacting a second housing of the second module against the housing of the base unit in the second configuration.
12. The method of claim 7 , further comprising deactivating the base unit by detaching both the first module and the second module from the base unit.
13. The method of claim 7 , further comprising attaching a power and data cable to the first module in the first configuration and to the second module in the second configuration.
14. The method of claim 7 , further comprising attaching the second module to the base unit and positioning the servo amplifier on the exterior of the housing of the base unit.