阅读说明：本技术 用于电动工具中的自动安全协议的系统和方法 (System and method for automatic safety protocol in power tool ) 是由 周熹 C·科舍尔 M·洛泽尔 O·沙多弗斯基 于 2018-11-21 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种系统,包括动力工具和通信地联接到所述动力工具的自动安全系统。所述自动安全系统包括围绕所述动力工具设置的一个或多个传感器,其中所述一个或多个传感器被构造成收集关于与所述动力工具的操作有关的安全参数的数据。所述自动安全系统还包括主检测器,所述主检测器被构造成接收由所述一个或多个传感器收集的数据。所述主检测器被构造成分析接收到的数据以确定是否解锁所述动力工具以进行操作。(A system includes a power tool and an automatic safety system communicatively coupled to the power tool. The automatic safety system includes one or more sensors disposed about the power tool, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to collect data regarding safety parameters related to operation of the power tool. The automated safety system further includes a primary detector configured to receive data collected by the one or more sensors. The primary detector is configured to analyze the received data to determine whether to unlock the power tool for operation.)

1. A system (100) comprising:

a power tool (101); and

an automatic safety system (102) communicatively coupled to the power tool (101),

characterized by one or more sensors (116) disposed about the power tool (101), wherein the one or more sensors (116) are configured to collect data regarding safety parameters related to operation of the power tool (101); and a primary detector (104) configured to receive data collected by the one or more sensors (116), wherein the primary detector (104) is configured to analyze the received data to determine whether to unlock the power tool (101) for operation.

2. The system (100) of claim 1,

characterized in that the main detector (104) comprises a wireless module configured to transmit information to a main control unit of the power tool (101).

3. The system (100) of claim 2,

characterized in that the main detector (104) is configured to send an activation signal to a main control unit of the power tool (101) to unlock the power tool (101) for operation.

4. The system (100) of claim 1,

characterized in that the automated safety system (102) comprises an interface circuit configured to transmit information from the one or more sensors (116) to the primary detector (104).

5. The system (100) of claim 1,

characterized in that the one or more sensors (116) comprise a safety handle sensor, and wherein the main detector (104) is configured to receive data from the safety handle sensor to determine whether a side handle (106) of the power tool (101) has been properly installed.

6. The system (100) of claim 1,

characterized in that the one or more sensors (116) comprise a guard detection sensor, and wherein the primary detector (104) is configured to receive data from the guard detection sensor to determine whether a guard of the power tool (101) has been properly installed.

7. The system (100) of claim 1,

characterized in that the one or more sensors (116) comprise a tool detection sensor, and wherein the primary detector (104) is configured to receive data from the tool detection sensor to determine whether a tool of the power tool (101) is properly installed.

8. The system (100) of claim 1,

characterized in that the one or more sensors (116) comprise dust cover detection sensors, and wherein the primary detector (104) is configured to receive data from the dust cover detection sensors to determine whether a dust cover of the power tool (101) is properly installed.

9. The system (100) of claim 1,

characterized in that the one or more sensors (116) comprise touch sensors, position/orientation sensors, force sensors, or a combination thereof.

10. A method of controlling a power tool includes controlling a power tool,

characterized by comprising the following steps

-receive one or more signals via a primary detector (104) from one or more sensors (116) arranged around a power tool (101), wherein the one or more sensors (116) are configured to collect data on safety parameters related to operation of the power tool (101);

-determining, via the main detector (104), whether to unlock the power tool (101) for operation based on data received from the one or more sensors (116); and

-sending an activation signal via the main detector (104) to a control unit of the power tool (101) to unlock the power tool (101) for operation.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,

characterized in that the power tool (101) is an angle grinder for use on a construction site.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,

characterized in that determining whether to unlock the power tool (101) comprises determining whether a safety handle of the power tool (101) is correctly mounted.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,

characterized in that determining whether to unlock the power tool (101) comprises determining whether a guard of the power tool (101) is properly installed.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,

characterized in that determining whether to unlock the power tool (101) comprises determining whether the power tool (101) is correctly held and oriented by an operator.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,

characterized in that determining whether to unlock the power tool (101) comprises determining whether a tool of the power tool (101) is properly mounted or whether a dust cover of the power tool (101) is properly mounted.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of power tools, and more particularly to a system including a power tool and an automatic safety system communicatively coupled to the power tool.

In addition, the present disclosure relates to a method for controlling a power tool.

Background

Power tools, such as angle mills (e.g., side mills or disc mills), may be used on construction sites.

In some cases, the power tool may require other features to help improve operator safety and efficiency. Indeed, it may be beneficial to have safety features built into the operating functions of the power tool to help the operator maintain control of the equipment even in critical or potentially health-threatening situations. For example, it may be beneficial to include a safety protocol in the angle grinder that is automatically executed before the angle grinder is engaged for its intended purpose. In particular, such automatic safety features may help an operator of the angle grinder maintain control of the apparatus, thereby improving safety and efficiency during operation.

Additional or safety features on power tools that help improve operator safety and efficiency are well known in the art. Unfortunately, these prior art safety features on power tools are often complicated to use or are insufficient to ensure safe use of the power tool. In most cases it is even possible to bypass or avoid these prior art safety features to operate the power tool. The use of a power tool may pose a potential hazard to the user if all necessary safety features are not properly used.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to address the above-mentioned problems and to provide a system comprising a power tool and an automatic safety system communicatively coupled to the power tool, with which the power tool can be used safely and simply.

In particular, the problem is solved by a system that includes a power tool and an automatic safety system communicatively coupled to the power tool.

According to the present invention, one or more sensors are arranged around the power tool, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to collect data regarding safety parameters related to the operation of the power tool; and a primary detector configured to receive data collected by the one or more sensors, wherein the primary detector is configured to analyze the received data to determine whether to unlock the power tool for operation. In so doing, the power tool can be unlocked and ready for operation only if all safety parameters relating to the operation of the power tool indicate safe use.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the main detector may comprise a wireless module configured to transmit information to a main control unit of the power tool. Thus, wiring within the power tool may be reduced, resulting in reduced power tool complexity and reduced manufacturing costs.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the main detector may be configured to transmit an activation signal to a main control unit of the power tool to unlock the power tool for operation. This serves as a safety feature, the power tool only being operable after the main control unit receives an activation signal from the main detector.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the automated safety system may include an interface circuit configured to transmit information from the one or more sensors to the primary detector. This ensures that the power tool can only be activated after at least one sensor sends a signal.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the one or more sensors may comprise a safety handle sensor, and wherein the primary detector is configured to receive data from the safety handle sensor to determine whether the side handle of the power tool is properly mounted. Thus, the power tool can be safely activated only if the side handle is properly installed. The power tool may be embodied as an angle grinder.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the one or more sensors may comprise a guard detection sensor, and wherein the primary detector is configured to receive data from the guard detection sensor to determine whether the guard of the power tool is properly installed. Thus, the power tool can only be activated in a safe manner after the guard has been correctly installed. The power tool may be embodied as an angle grinder.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the one or more sensors may comprise a tool detection sensor, and wherein the primary detector is configured to receive data from the tool detection sensor to determine whether the tool of the power tool is properly mounted. Thus, the power tool can only be activated safely if the tool is properly installed. The power tool may be embodied as an angle grinder.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the one or more sensors may include a dust cover detection sensor, and wherein the primary detector is configured to receive data from the dust cover detection sensor to determine whether a dust cover of the power tool is properly installed. Thus, the power tool can only be activated safely if the dust cap is properly installed. The power tool may be embodied as an angle grinder.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the one or more sensors may comprise touch sensors, position/direction sensors, force sensors or a combination thereof. Thus, the power tool can only be activated safely if it is held in the correct manner, i.e., the operator of the power tool applies a firm hand grip to a designated portion (e.g., the handle) of the power tool.

In addition to this, the above problem is also solved by a method for controlling a power tool.

According to the invention, the method comprises the following steps:

-receiving one or more signals via the primary detector from one or more sensors disposed about the power tool, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to collect data regarding safety parameters related to operation of the power tool;

-determining, via the primary detector, whether to unlock the power tool for operation based on data received from the one or more sensors; and

-sending an activation signal to a control unit of the power tool via the main detector to unlock the power tool for operation.

In so doing, the power tool can be unlocked and ready for operation only if all safety parameters relating to the operation of the power tool indicate safe use.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the power tool may be an angle grinder for use on a construction site.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, determining whether to unlock the power tool may comprise determining whether a safety handle of the power tool is correctly mounted. Thus, the power tool can only be activated safely if the safety handle is properly installed. The power tool may be embodied as an angle grinder.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the step of determining whether to unlock the power tool may comprise determining whether a guard of the power tool is correctly mounted. Thus, the power tool can be activated in a safe manner only if the guard is properly installed. The power tool may be embodied as an angle grinder.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the step of determining whether to unlock the power tool may comprise determining whether the power tool is correctly held and oriented by the operator.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the step of determining whether to unlock the power tool may comprise determining whether the tool of the power tool is correctly mounted or whether the dust cap of the power tool is correctly mounted. Thus, the power tool can only be activated in a safe manner if the tool or dust cap is properly installed. The power tool may be embodied as an angle grinder.

The following summarizes certain embodiments having a scope corresponding to the originally claimed subject matter. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of possible forms of the subject matter. Indeed, the present subject matter may include various forms similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

In a first embodiment of the invention, a system includes an angle grinder and an automated safety system communicatively coupled to the angle grinder. The automated safety system includes one or more sensors disposed about the angle grinder, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to collect data regarding safety parameters related to operation of the angle grinder. The automated safety system also includes a primary detector configured to receive data collected by one or more sensors. The primary detector is configured to analyze the received data to determine whether to unlock the angle grinder for operation.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided. The method includes receiving, via a primary detector, one or more signals from one or more sensors disposed about the angle grinder, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to collect data regarding safety parameters related to operation of the power tool. The method also includes determining, via the primary detector, whether to unlock the power tool for operation based on data received from the one or more sensors. The method also includes sending an activation signal to a control unit of the power tool via the primary detector to unlock the power tool for operation.

Drawings

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an angle grinder having an automated safety system communicatively coupled to the angle grinder in accordance with aspects of the present embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the angle grinder of FIG. 1, in accordance with aspects of the present embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the automatic safety system of FIG. 1 having a primary detector, a safety handle, and a body sleeve, in accordance with aspects of the present embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the automated safety system of FIG. 1, illustrating a controller configured to interface with one or more sensing devices of the angle grinder, in accordance with aspects of the present embodiment; and

fig. 5 is an embodiment of a process for executing a safety protocol of the angle grinder of fig. 1, where the safety protocol is executed prior to activating the angle grinder to operate, in accordance with aspects of the present embodiment.

Detailed Description

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

The present embodiments relate to a safety feature built into the operating features of a power tool (e.g., an angle grinder). In particular, the present embodiments relate generally to safety protocols that are automatically executed by an angle grinder prior to use. In particular, as described above, the safety protocol may be beneficial in improving operator safety and helping an operator maintain control of the angle grinder. For example, in some instances, if the side handle of the angle grinder is improperly installed, the operator may lose control of the angle grinder in the event of a kickback. As another example, if the guard is improperly installed, an operator may be injured by spark burns during operation of the angle grinder. In some cases, the operator may inadvertently forget to manually perform a security check prior to operating the angle grinder. In other cases, it may be inefficient and cumbersome for an operator to perform a safety check before each use of the angle grinder. Accordingly, there is a need for an automated safety protocol that will determine whether certain accessories of the angle grinder are properly installed and/or whether the angle grinder as a whole is safe for operation.

In certain embodiments, the safety protocol may be a series of safety checks that detect the status of one or more operational or safety parameters of the angle grinder. Once the angle grinder executes and passes each safety check of the protocol, the angle grinder may be configured to be operational. In certain embodiments, the safety check includes determining whether the safety side handle is properly mounted and held, whether the guard is properly mounted, and whether the angle grinder is properly positioned and oriented (e.g., properly held by an operator). In some embodiments, the security check includes determining whether the appropriate disk attachment is selected and installed and/or whether the dust cover is properly installed. It should be noted that although one or more security features are described with respect to the security protocol of the present embodiment, the listed security features are not limiting or cumulative. Indeed, in other embodiments of the safety protocol, other safety features related to the operation of the angle grinder may be incorporated into the safety protocol. In this manner, the safety protocol may be automatically executed to perform one or more series of desired safety checks on the power tool (e.g., angle grinder).

With the foregoing in mind, fig. 1 and 2 are perspective views of an embodiment of a system 100 including a power tool 101 and an automatic safety system 102 communicatively coupled to the power tool. The power tool 101 is implemented as an angle grinder. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle grinder 101 includes an automated safety system 102 communicatively coupled to the angle grinder 101. In certain embodiments, the automated safety system 102 includes a main detector 104, a side handle 106, and a body sleeve 108. As further described with respect to fig. 3-5, the automated safety system 102 is configured to execute an automated safety protocol having one or more safety checks. In particular, after successful completion of the automated safety protocol, the automated safety system 102 may be configured to send an activation signal to the control unit of the angle grinder 101. An activation signal provided to the control unit of the angle grinder 101 allows the angle grinder 101 to be engaged for operation.

In certain embodiments, the angle grinder 101 includes a gear box, a disk holder, and a disk attachment configured to be coupled to the disk holder. The gearbox and disk attachment are not shown in the figures.

In particular, the gearbox comprises a control unit configured to receive one or more activation signals from the automatic safety system 102, as further explained with reference to fig. 5. The control unit is not shown in the figure. The control unit may be configured to unlock the angle grinder 101, allowing the operator to engage the angle grinder 101 by pressing a "START" or "ON" button. In certain embodiments, for example, when angle grinder 101 fails each security check of the automated security protocol, the control unit will not receive any activation signal from automated security system 102, and angle grinder 101 will remain in a secure locked position. In the safety locked position, the angle grinder 101 cannot operate when the operator presses the "start" or "open" button. Thus, in this manner, the angle grinder 101 may be configured to reduce the likelihood of the angle grinder 101 being accidentally activated and/or operated prior to safety inspection of one or more components.

In certain embodiments, the automated safety system 102 may be coupled to the body 110 of the angle grinder 101. In particular, the automatic safety system 102 includes a body sleeve 108 configured to conform to the outer shape of the body 110. For example, the body sleeve 108 may be configured to wrap around a portion of the body 110, thereby securing the automated safety system 102 to the angle grinder 101. In certain embodiments, as further described with respect to fig. 3, side handle 106 may be coupled to primary detector 104 of automated safety system 102. In certain embodiments, the primary detector 104 may include an extension 112 configured to couple two sides of the primary detector 104. In addition, each side of the primary detector 104 may include an attachment 114 (shown in FIG. 3) that secures the primary detector 104 around the body 110 of the angle grinder 101. In certain embodiments, the extension 112 may be adapted to mate with an outer surface of the body 110 and/or may be configured to mate in a groove of the outer surface of the body 110. In certain embodiments, an attachment 114 may additionally couple the side handle 106 to the primary detector 104.

In certain embodiments, a user interface 115 may be disposed on the primary detector 104 and include one or more visual indicia configured to provide information to an operator regarding the status of one or more safety or operating parameters. In some embodiments, the user interface 115 may include one or more LED indicators of one or more different colors, such that each color identifies the status of a different feature or component. For example, in some embodiments, LED lights and colors may be utilized to indicate whether the guard is properly installed. Also, in some embodiments, an LED light may be used to indicate whether side handle 106 is properly installed. Similarly, in other embodiments, other types of visual indicia (e.g., text, pictures, patterns of light, alerts, etc.) may be utilized to indicate information to the operator. In some embodiments, a graphical display may be utilized to display security and/or operational features derived from the security protocols executed by the automated security system 102. In some embodiments, additional information such as the status of the wireless communication may be displayed and/or communicated to the operator via the user interface 115.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the automated safety system 102 of fig. 1, the automated safety system 102 having a primary detector 104, a safety handle 106, and a body sleeve 108, in accordance with aspects of the present embodiments. Further, the illustrated embodiment depicts one or more sensors 116 (or sensing devices 116) disposed on the automated safety system 102 and configured to collect safety and operational information related to the angle grinder 101.

In certain embodiments, one or more sensing devices 116 or sensors 116 may be configured throughout the angle grinder 101. In certain embodiments, the sensors 116 may be configured for a particular function and may be located at a particular location. For example, a side handle detection sensor (or switch) may be located near the connection between side handle 106 and main detector 104 and may be configured to provide status signals regarding the position and depth of side handle 106. In particular, the sensor 116 may be positioned proximate to the accessory 114, and the sensor 116 may be configured to determine a depth or position at which the side handle 106 is mounted relative to the accessory 114. Signal information relating to the position and depth of side handle 106 may be used to determine whether side handle 106 is properly installed. As another example, a guard detection sensor (or switch) may be located near the guard and may be configured to provide a status signal as to whether the guard has been properly installed.

In certain embodiments, the sensor 116 may be configured to collect other types of information, such as information related to dust covers and/or disk selection. For example, the sensor 116 may be a touch sensor (e.g., a membrane switch or other type of thin layer sensor) attached near the mounting interface to detect dust covers. When the dust cover is installed, the sensor 116 may be opened by physical contact and a signal may be sent to the controller of the primary detector to indicate that the dust cover has been installed. Similarly, the sensor 116 may be a touch sensor (e.g., a membrane switch or other type of thin layer sensor) that is attached near the gearbox to detect the plate. When the guard is installed, the sensor 116 may be opened by physical contact and a signal may be sent to the controller 122 of the main detector 104 indicating that the disc has been installed.

In certain embodiments, the sensor may be a position/orientation sensor and may be disposed in a location that requires the orientation or position of the angle grinder 101. For example, in certain embodiments, one or more sensors may be disposed on side handle 106 and may be configured to determine whether side handle 106 is properly held or positioned by an operator. Similarly, position/orientation sensors may be provided on the body 110 or body sleeve 108 to determine whether they are properly held or positioned by the operator. In certain embodiments, the sensor 116 may be a pressure sensor that detects whether an operator is in physical contact with the angle grinder 101 in the proper location. Indeed, any type of sensor (e.g., accelerometer, temperature sensor, proximity and displacement sensor, image sensor, touch sensor, liquid level sensor, gyroscope, force or velocity sensor, etc.) may be utilized to collect safety and/or operating parameter information related to angle grinder 101. In particular, as discussed further with respect to fig. 4 and 5, the sensors may be triggered based on an automated safety protocol executed by the primary detector 104 of the automated safety system 102. Further, as described with respect to fig. 4 and 5, based on the received information, the automated safety system 102 may be configured to send an activation signal to the control unit of the angle grinder 101.

In certain embodiments, an interface circuit 120 (e.g., a wire) may be provided by the automated safety system 102 to communicatively couple the sensor 116 with the primary detector 104. For example, one or more wires may extend between the body sleeve 108 and the main detector 104, between the side handle 106 and the main detector 104, and may extend through the extension 112 of the main detector 104.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the automated safety system 102 of fig. 1, showing the primary detector 104 having a controller 122, the controller 122 being configured to interface (via interface circuitry 120) with one or more sensing devices 116 of the angle grinder 101. In some embodiments, the primary detector 104 may include a communication circuit 124 having a wireless module 126 and a transceiver 128. As described above, the user interface 115 may (optionally) include a display 130 and one or more LEDs 132.

In certain embodiments, the controller 122 may be communicatively coupled to a processor 134 and a memory 136. The processor 134 may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 136 to perform the automated safety protocol operations of the automated safety system 102. Memory 136 may be configured to store instructions that are loadable and executable on processor 134. In some embodiments, the memory 136 may be volatile (such as Random Access Memory (RAM)) and/or nonvolatile (such as Read Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, and the like). Controller 122 may also include additional removable and/or non-removable storage, including, but not limited to, magnetic storage, optical storage, and/or tape storage. In some embodiments, the memory 136 may include a variety of different types of memory, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), or ROM.

In particular, the controller 122 may be configured to execute instructions to execute automated safety protocol operations and may be configured to receive data/information from the one or more sensors 116. For example, when triggered, the automated safety protocol may conduct a series of safety checks throughout the angle grinder 101, as further described with respect to fig. 5. Each safety check may be an executable instruction configured to check a safety or operability state of a component or feature of the angle grinder 101. In certain embodiments, the sensor 116 may be configured to automatically provide data or information to the controller 122. In certain embodiments, the operator may initiate the safety protocol by pressing a button or indicating a command through the user interface 115 of the angle grinder 101. In response to each safety check, the sensor 116 may be configured to provide a detection signal to the controller 122 regarding the status (information/data) of the component or feature. Based on the received information, the controller 122 may be configured to determine whether the angle grinder 101 passes or fails the safety check. Once all safety checks (or a desired number or type of safety checks) are positively passed, the controller 122 may be configured to send an activation signal to the control unit of the angle grinder 101.

In some embodiments, the primary detector 104 may include a power source 138. The power source 138 may be a replaceable and/or rechargeable power source (e.g., battery powered) disposed within the primary detector 104. In some embodiments, the primary detector 104 may be powered by a power source disposed within the side handle 106, or may be powered via an external power source.

In certain embodiments, the primary detector 104 may include a communication circuit 124 having a wireless module 126 and/or a transceiver 128. In certain embodiments, the primary detector 104 may be configured to transmit information collected by the sensor 116 to a control unit of the angle grinder 101. In such embodiments, the primary detector 104 may or may not include the controller 122, the processor 134, and/or the memory 136 to execute and/or process information. In other embodiments, the primary detector 104 may be configured to receive and analyze information received from the sensor 116 to determine whether the angle grinder 101 is ready for operation. In either embodiment, the wireless module may be used to transmit data and/or activation signals to the master controller of the angle grinder 101. In certain embodiments, the wireless module 126 and/or transceiver 128 may be incorporated in a control unit of the angle grinder 101.

Fig. 5 is an embodiment of a process 140 for executing an automated safety protocol of the angle grinder 101 of fig. 1, wherein the automated safety protocol is executed prior to activating the angle grinder 101 for operation. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more steps of the process 140 may be performed by the controller 122 of the primary detector 104 and/or by a primary control unit of the angle grinder 101. The main control unit is not shown in the figure. In certain embodiments, process 140 includes receiving one or more signals from sensors 116 (block 142) and performing a series of safety checks on angle grinder 101 (block 144). Specifically, in certain embodiments, process 140 includes determining whether the safety handle is properly installed (block 146), determining whether the guard is properly installed (block 148), and/or determining whether the apparatus is properly oriented (block 150) (e.g., determining whether side handle 106 and/or body sleeve 108 and/or body 110 are properly held and/or positioned). In certain embodiments, process 140 includes determining whether the appropriate disk is selected and/or mounted (block 152), and/or determining whether the dust cover is properly mounted (block 154). If the signal received from the sensor 116 indicates that the safety feature is aligned with the desired state, the process 140 is configured to send an activation signal to a master control unit of the angle grinder 101. In certain embodiments, the activation signal is configured to unlock the angle grinder 101 so that an operator may engage the angle grinder 101 for use.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.