Kickback Reduction for Power Tools and Machines

摘要

An apparatus and methods are described for protecting an operator from sudden, unexpected or dangerous movement of powered hand held tools and the like. A set of parameters for safe operation of the tool are provided, which parameters may be adjusted or selected based on the manner in which the tool is being operated. The power tool is fitted with sensors including an accelerometer, operating to sense acceleration of the tool in a plurality of axes during operation. The output of the accelerometer is coupled to a computing circuit which determines if the acceleration of the tool is within the safe operation parameters. When acceleration of the tool exceeds one or more of the safe operating parameters, power to the tool motor is limited or otherwise adjusted in order to prevent or reduce the movement of the tool thereby protecting the operator.

主权项

1. A method of limiting unwanted movement of a power tool comprising:
providing acceleration parameters within which a power tool may be safely operated and storing said acceleration parameters in a memory device; measuring acceleration of said power tool during operation with a 3-axis accelerometer attached to said power tool; evaluating said acceleration in respect to said acceleration parameters using a processor executing a program also stored in said memory device, said processor in data communication with said 3-axis accelerometer; interrupting power supplied to said power tool when an unsafe operation is determined.