US 8,133,092 B2 · System and method for improved hand tool operation

Abstract

Systems and methods for improved operation of hand tools are disclosed. Sensors may be configured to monitor one or more operational parameters of a hand tool and collected data may be communicated to the hand tool operator. The data may be compared to predetermined limits for an operational parameter to enable real-time operational diagnostics and quantitative control. Data can be collected across a manufacturing facility and analyzed to help account for variations in technique and skill among operators. An understanding of relationships between monitored operational parameters can lead to improved consistency among finished products and reduction in manufacturing costs. Data may also be stored for future recall and analysis.

Claims24

Dependent claims

A hand tool monitoring system, comprising:

a plurality of sensors positioned to detect a plurality of different operational parameters of a hand tool;
a controller;
a memory system;
and
a display;
wherein one of the plurality of sensors is a force sensor and another of the plurality of sensors detects a parameter selected from the group consisting of supplied air pressure, orbital RPM, rotational RPM, power consumption, and current, and
wherein the memory system is configured to store data collected by the plurality of sensors, and
wherein the controller is in communication with the plurality of sensors, the display, and the memory system, and
wherein the controller is configured to generate a signal based on the data collected by the plurality of sensors, to communicate the signal to an operator of the hand tool, and to recall the stored data from the memory system.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System and method for improved hand tool operation

Life of this patent

System and method for improved hand tool operation

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims24