Intelligent power distribution tool storage device and management method

By using an intelligent power distribution tool storage device that combines rotary drive and modular suspension design with RFID and sensors, the problems of disorganization and inefficient management in power distribution tool storage are solved. This enables rapid tool location, standardized management, and environmental monitoring, thereby improving management efficiency and safety.

CN123025244APending Publication Date: 2026-11-03GUANGXI NEW ELECTRIC POWER INVESTMENT GROUP GUANYANG POWER SUPPLY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202610929603.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2026-06-25
Publication Date
2026-11-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing power distribution tool storage methods suffer from problems such as chaotic storage, inconvenient retrieval, lax management, and lack of status monitoring, resulting in difficulties in finding items, low efficiency, significant safety hazards, and unreasonable space utilization.

Method used

The device employs an intelligent power distribution tool storage system, which includes a support base, a rotation drive module, a tool support platform, a hanging storage module, a drawer storage module, an intelligent control center, and a human-machine interaction module. By combining RFID, sensors, and a human-machine interface, it enables precise tool positioning, visual search, access control, and status monitoring.

Benefits of technology

It enables rapid tool location and convenient retrieval, improves management efficiency and security, increases space utilization, ensures standardized tool management and environmental monitoring, and reduces operation and maintenance costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application provides a kind of intelligent power distribution tool storage device and management method, belong to power tool storage and management technical field, the storage device includes bearing base, rotary drive module, tool bearing platform, suspension storage module, drawer storage module, intelligent control center and man-machine interaction module.The intelligent power distribution tool storage device and management method provided by the application can realize the fixed storage of power distribution tools, visual search, permission access and state monitoring, thereby greatly improving the tool management efficiency, safety and standardization level.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of power tool storage and management technology, specifically to an intelligent power distribution tool storage device and management method. Background Technology

[0002] In the operation, inspection, and maintenance of power systems, a large number of specialized tools of various types and specifications are required, such as insulating rods, wrenches, screwdrivers, voltage detectors, and grounding wires. Currently, power distribution tools are generally stored in traditional tool cabinets or toolboxes. These traditional storage methods have significant drawbacks: 1. Disorganized storage and difficulty in finding items: The cabinets lack scientific zoning and designated locations, with different tools piled up haphazardly. When staff need to retrieve a specific tool, they often have to rummage through the area, resulting in low efficiency and delays, especially during emergency repairs.

[0003] 2. Inconvenient access and inefficient space utilization: Tools are usually stacked flat, making them extremely difficult to access if they are located at the bottom or innermost layers. For long-handled or irregularly shaped tools, there is a lack of dedicated hanging or fixing positions, resulting in unstable storage and a large space occupation.

[0004] 3. Poor management, prone to loss and damage: Tool access relies on manual registration or memory, which easily leads to omissions or errors in recording, resulting in tools being lost or left behind at the scene, creating safety hazards. The usage status, lifespan, and maintenance of tools cannot be effectively tracked.

[0005] 4. Lack of condition monitoring: When the storage environment (such as temperature and humidity) of tools does not meet the requirements, it may affect their insulation performance, but traditional cabinets cannot monitor and provide early warnings for this.

[0006] While some existing tool cabinets feature layered or compartmentalized designs, or include simple rotating functions, they fail to fundamentally solve the problems of precise tool positioning, status awareness, and intelligent management. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a power distribution tool storage solution that integrates intelligent sensing, convenient access, and standardized management. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an intelligent power distribution tool storage device and management method to realize the fixed-location storage, visual search, access control, and status monitoring of power distribution tools, thereby greatly improving the efficiency, safety and standardization of tool management.

[0008] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides an intelligent power distribution tool storage device, comprising a support base, a rotation drive module, a tool support platform, a suspended storage module, a drawer storage module, an intelligent control center, and a human-machine interaction module.

[0009] 1. Support Base: The support base forms the bottom support frame of the device and is made of high-strength stainless steel or alloy structural steel to ensure the overall structural stability. Movable units are installed at the four corners of the base bottom. Each movable unit has omnidirectional casters, and at least two casters are equipped with foot-operated brake locks for easy and reliable movement and parking of the device. Space can be reserved inside the base to accommodate a spare battery module.

[0010] 2. Rotation Drive Module: Mounted on the supporting base, this module drives the rotation of the upper structure. It includes a drive motor, a reduction gear mechanism, a slewing bearing, and a rotation angle detection unit. The drive motor is preferably a 24V or 36V DC geared motor, ensuring safety and reliability. The slewing bearing (such as a crossed roller bearing) provides high-precision, high-load-bearing rotational support. The rotation angle detection unit can be an absolute encoder, connected to the intelligent control center, providing real-time feedback and precise control of the stopping angle of the rotating platform.

[0011] 3. Tool Support Platform: Fixedly connected to the output end of the rotary drive module and rotates together with it. The tool support platform is made of anti-slip steel plate, and the surface can be covered with anti-static rubber mats. The platform mainly supports the suspended storage module and serves as the structural foundation for connecting other components.

[0012] 4. Suspended storage module: This is the core of the tool suspension function, and its innovation lies in modularity and intelligence.

[0013] 1) Modular Hanging Shelves: Multiple hanging shelves are arranged in a ring around the outer periphery of the tool carrier platform or erected on the tool carrier platform via adjustable slots or guide rails. Individual hanging shelves can be perforated plates, grid plates, or back plates equipped with a series of standardized mounting interfaces.

[0014] 2) Diverse suspension components: Depending on the type of tool, the components that can be flexibly selected and installed on the suspension page include: high-strength plastic hooks (for wrenches and pliers), strong magnetic strips (for screwdrivers and small iron tools), flexible cable tie holders (for cables and wires), insulating rod fixing rings with locking buckles, and shape-matching fixing bases designed for specific voltage detectors and handheld terminals.

[0015] 3) In-situ Sensing Unit: Sensing devices are integrated into each tool hanging position or key tool hanging point. For example, microswitches, pressure sensors, or more advanced RFID readers can be used. The sensors generate status signals when the tool is removed or returned. If RFID technology is used, a passive RFID tag is attached to each tool, and the tool's identity is automatically identified by the reader.

[0016] 5. Drawer Storage Module: Located in the middle of the support base or below the tool support platform, this module stores small, precision, or dust-proof auxiliary tools and parts. The drawers use high-quality slide rails for smooth operation. Each drawer is internally divided into compartments of different sizes by movable partitions. Drawers can be equipped with electronic locks and linked to a smart control center for access control. Alternatively, weight sensors or RFID antennas can be installed inside the drawers for content monitoring.

[0017] 6. Intelligent Control Center: This is the "brain" of the device, integrated within the device itself. Its core components include the main controller, communication module, and data storage unit.

[0018] 1) The main controller receives signals from the rotation angle detection unit, various in-situ sensing units, and environmental sensors, and controls the drive motor, sound and light indicator, electronic lock and other actuators.

[0019] 2) The communication module may include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G / 5G, etc., for uploading tool access records and alarm information to the cloud server or the back-end management system, and for receiving instructions from the remote location.

[0020] 3) The data storage unit is used for local storage of tool inventory lists, access logs, user permission information, etc.

[0021] 7. Human-Computer Interaction Module: Provides the interface for user interaction with the device, including: 1) Touchscreen display: Installed on the side of the device in an easily accessible location. It displays a list of all tools, a location diagram, current status (in stock / borrowed / pending inspection), access record lookup, system settings, etc. Users can select the desired tool via the touchscreen; the device will automatically rotate to the corresponding hanging page and highlight it.

[0022] 2) Authentication Unit: Integrated around the touchscreen or set up independently, such as a fingerprint recognition module, IC card reader, or camera (for facial recognition). Enables operator authentication and authorization verification.

[0023] 3) Sound and light indication and voice unit: including LED indicator lights (for indicating tool position and alarm status), buzzer and voice broadcast module, providing multi-mode operation feedback.

[0024] 8. Auxiliary function module: 1) Environmental monitoring unit: integrates temperature and humidity sensors to monitor the internal environment of the device in real time. When environmental parameters exceed the safe range for storing the tool (such as excessive humidity), an alarm will be triggered through the display screen and the back-end system.

[0025] 2) Lighting unit: LED lights are installed on the top or inside of the device. They can be turned on automatically or manually when the light is insufficient, making it convenient to pick up and put down tools.

[0026] 3) Power supply unit: including power interface, power conversion module and optional UPS backup battery, to ensure that the core control system and data are not lost when the device is moved or briefly powered off.

[0027] The present invention also provides a tool management method based on the above-mentioned intelligent power distribution tool storage device, comprising the following steps: S1: Initialization and Tool Entry: Create an electronic file for the tool on the device's touchscreen or in the connected backend management system. This file includes the tool name, model, serial number, RFID tag number, photo, preset storage location (e.g., "A3 hanging page - hook #5"), maintenance cycle, and other information. Place the tool in its preset location, and the system will automatically or manually confirm the binding via a sensor.

[0028] S2: Tool retrieval process: a. The operator logs into the system through the authentication unit.

[0029] b. Find the desired tool name on the touchscreen or by voice input.

[0030] c. The intelligent control center plans the optimal rotation path and controls the rotation drive module to rotate the hanging page carrying the tool to be retrieved to a convenient retrieval angle (such as facing the user).

[0031] d. The touchscreen and / or LED indicator lights highlight the exact location of the target tool.

[0032] e. When the operator takes the tool, the in-situ sensing unit detects the change in status, and the system automatically records the operation (operator, tool, time, and status change to "borrowed").

[0033] S3: Tool Return Process: a. The operator is authenticated.

[0034] b. Return the tool to its original position or place it in the designated empty space according to the system instructions.

[0035] c. When the in-situ sensing unit detects the tool being returned, the system records the return information (operator, tool, time, and status restored to "in stock"). If the tool is placed in the wrong location, the system will issue an audible and visual alarm.

[0036] S4: Inventory Count and Early Warning: a. The system can trigger inventory counts periodically or manually, quickly verifying the availability of tools through various sensors and generating an inventory report.

[0037] b. For tools that have been "borrowed" but not returned within the specified time, the system will automatically send a reminder message (displayed on the screen, announced via voice, or pushed to the mobile APP / backend).

[0038] c. Provide early warnings for tools that require maintenance based on the maintenance schedule in their electronic records.

[0039] d. When the environmental monitoring unit malfunctions, it will issue an environmental alarm.

[0040] The present invention provides a power distribution tool storage device and a management method based on the device, which have the following significant advantages: 1. Improved storage and retrieval efficiency: Through electric rotation and precise positioning, the process of "people looking for tools" is transformed into "tools looking for people," enabling rapid tool positioning and convenient retrieval. This is especially suitable for use in power distribution rooms and emergency repair sites where there is a lot of equipment and work is hectic.

[0041] 2. Intelligent and Visualized Management: Integrating RFID, sensors, and a human-machine interface, it achieves real-time visualization of tool inventory and automates and paperless storage and retrieval records. Managers can remotely monitor tool status, greatly improving management precision.

[0042] 3. Enhanced Security and Standardization: Access control ensures that only authorized personnel can access specific tools, and operation records are fully traceable, effectively preventing tool loss and misuse. Environmental monitoring ensures that tool storage conditions meet safety equipment management standards.

[0043] 4. High space utilization and strong customization: The modular hanging design allows for flexible layout adjustments to suit different tool sets, offering high adaptability. The rotating structure expands tool storage from a two-dimensional plane to a three-dimensional space, allowing for a greater variety and quantity of tools to be stored per unit area.

[0044] 5. Reduce operation and maintenance costs: By providing preventative reminders (maintenance, return), reducing search time and tool loss or damage, the overall operation and maintenance costs of power distribution tools are significantly reduced in the long run. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power distribution tool storage device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a top view of a power distribution tool storage device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100-Bearing base, 200-Rotary drive module, 300-Tool bearing platform, 400-Suspended storage module, 500-Drawer storage module, 600-Intelligent control center, 700-Human-machine interaction module, 101-Universal wheel, 201-Drive motor, 202-Reduction mechanism, 203-Slewing bearing, 204-Rotation angle detection unit, 205-Power module, 401-Suspended page, 501-Drawer, 502-Electronic lock, 701-Touch display screen. Detailed Implementation

[0046] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The present invention provides an intelligent power distribution tool storage device, including a support base 100, a rotation drive module 200, a tool support platform 300, a hanging storage module 400, a drawer storage module 500, an intelligent control center 600, and a human-computer interaction module 700.

[0047] The support base 100 has a rectangular frame structure, with universal wheels 101 equipped with brakes at the four corners of the bottom. The power module 205, such as a power adapter and a backup lithium battery pack, is installed inside the support base 100.

[0048] The rotary drive module 200 includes a motor 201 bolted to the support base 100, a reduction gear 202 connected to the motor output shaft, a slewing bearing 203, and a rotation angle detection unit 204. The outer ring of the slewing bearing 203 is fixed to the support base 100, and the inner ring of the slewing bearing 203 is fixed to the upper tool support platform 300. The motor 201 drives the reduction gear 202, thereby causing the tool support platform 300 to rotate horizontally relative to the support base 100. The rotation angle detection unit 204 is located at the rear end of the motor 201 for real-time feedback of the rotation angle.

[0049] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the motor 201 is a DC geared motor 201, the drive reducer 202 is a worm gear reducer 202, the slewing bearing 203 is a large-diameter crossed roller slewing bearing 203, and the rotation angle detection unit 204 is an absolute encoder 204.

[0050] The tool support platform 300 is a circular steel plate with its edges folded upwards to form a perimeter 301, which provides a certain degree of protection. The center of the platform is fastened to the inner ring of the slewing bearing 203 via a flange.

[0051] The suspended storage module 400 includes multiple modular suspension pages 401, which are evenly secured to annular guide rails on the surface of the tool carrier platform 300 via snap-fit ​​fasteners on their backs and can slide along the guide rails to adjust their spacing. Each suspension page 401 is a perforated plate structure with various suspension components mounted on it: a circular snap ring with a locking mechanism for suspending insulating rods, a J-shaped hook for suspending wrenches and pliers, and a bar magnet for attracting screwdrivers. A microswitch (not shown, connected to a control harness) is installed on the back of the suspension position for critical tools (such as an electroscope) to sense the tool's presence.

[0052] The drawer storage module 500 includes multiple drawers 501 arranged in a ring, with an electronic lock cylinder 502 and status indicator lights mounted on the drawer panel. The interior of the drawers is divided into compartments of varying sizes. A pressure sensor is installed at the bottom of the drawer, which can detect whether there are heavy objects stored inside when the drawer is closed.

[0053] The Intelligent Control Center 600 is installed in a waterproof electrical control box located at the rear of the device. Its core is an embedded industrial motherboard that integrates a CPU, memory, I / O interface and 4G communication module.

[0054] The human-machine interface module 700 includes a 10-inch industrial touchscreen 701 embedded in the front pillar of the device, with a fingerprint reader integrated below the screen. A ring-shaped LED light strip is mounted on the top of the device, and independently addressable RGB LED indicator points are installed at key locations on the hanging page 401.

[0055] The working process of the intelligent power distribution tool storage device provided in this embodiment of the invention is as follows: Initially, all tools are registered in the system and placed in their preset locations. When an electrician needs to retrieve a 10-inch insulated screwdriver and a 250mm adjustable wrench for work, he first places his finger on the fingerprint reader. After successful verification by the intelligent control center 600, the touchscreen display 701 lights up, showing the main menu. The electrician then enters or voice-inputs the tool names in the search bar. The intelligent control center 600 queries the database, confirming that the screwdriver is located at "B2 hanging page - magnetic slot 3" and the adjustable wrench is located at "B2 hanging page - hook 7".

[0056] Subsequently, the intelligent control center 600 calculates the optimal rotation angle and sends a command to the motor driver to start the DC geared motor 201. Motor 201 drives the platform 300 to rotate via reducer 202, while encoder 204 provides real-time angle feedback. The motor stops when the platform rotates to face the user directly from the B2 hanging page. Simultaneously, the touchscreen 701 displays a magnified view of the B2 hanging page and highlights the target tool's location. The RGB LED indicators located next to magnetic attachment point 3 and hook 7 light up a striking green.

[0057] The electrician easily took the two tools. As he removed the tools, the microswitch at the corresponding location changed state (from closed to open), and the signal was captured by the intelligent control center 600. The system automatically generated a borrowing record in the log, displaying the operator's name and the borrowing time: Borrowed, Items: 10-inch insulated screwdriver, 250mm adjustable wrench, and updated the status of these two tools to "Out of Stock".

[0058] After completing the work, the electrician returns the tools. He puts the tools back in their original location (or an available compatible location indicated by the system), the microswitch is restored, the system records the return information, and the tool status is updated to "in stock." If the electrician attempts to access special tools outside his authorized scope, or takes a tool with an RFID tag without verifying his identity, the device will not only record the anomaly, but also display a warning on the touchscreen 701, trigger a buzzer alarm, and send the alarm information to the back-end administrator via the 4G network.

[0059] In addition, the system performs a full inventory check every night to quickly verify the status of all sensing points and generate an inventory report. When the environmental sensor detects that the humidity inside the cabinet exceeds 70%RH for two consecutive hours, the touchscreen will display an alarm for "excessive ambient humidity" to remind personnel to take action.

[0060] Finally, it should be noted that the above specific embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to examples, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A smart power distribution tool storage device, characterized in that, include: Support base (100); A rotary drive module (200) is mounted on the support base (100); The tool carrier platform (300) is connected to the output end of the rotation drive module (200) and is driven by it to rotate horizontally; A suspended storage module (400) is disposed on the tool support platform (300) for suspending and storing tools; The intelligent control center (600) is electrically connected to the rotary drive module (200) and is used to control the rotation of the tool carrier platform (300); The human-computer interaction module (700) is connected to the intelligent control center (600) and is used to receive user commands and display information.

2. The intelligent power distribution tool storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suspended storage module (400) includes multiple modular suspended pages (401) detachably arranged on the tool carrier platform (300), and a tool presence sensing unit disposed on the suspended page (401); the tool presence sensing unit is signal connected to the intelligent control center (600).

3. The intelligent power distribution tool storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The tool in-situ sensing unit is one or a combination of the following: a micro switch, a pressure sensor, or an RFID reader; the hanging page (401) is provided with a variety of detachable hanging components, including hooks, magnetic strips, snap rings, or shape-matching fixing seats.

4. The intelligent power distribution tool storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a drawer storage module (500), which is disposed in the middle of the support base (100) or the lower part of the tool support platform (300); the drawer storage module (500) includes at least one drawer (501) and an electronic lock (502) for locking the drawer (501), the electronic lock (502) being connected to the intelligent control center (600).

5. The intelligent power distribution tool storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotary drive module (200) includes a drive motor (201), a reduction mechanism (202), a slewing bearing (203), a rotation angle detection unit (204), and a power module (205); the rotation angle detection unit (204) is used to detect the real-time rotation angle of the tool carrier platform (300) and feed it back to the intelligent control center (600); the drive motor (201), the intelligent control center (600), and the human-machine interaction module (700) are electrically connected to the power module (205).

6. The intelligent power distribution tool storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The human-computer interaction module (700) includes a touch screen (701) and an authentication unit; the authentication unit is at least one of a fingerprint reader, an IC card reader, or a face recognition camera.

7. The intelligent power distribution tool storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, It also includes an environmental monitoring unit, which includes at least a temperature and humidity sensor for monitoring internal environmental parameters of the device; and an audible and visual indicator unit for indicating the tool's location and / or issuing an alarm signal.

8. A tool management method based on the intelligent power distribution tool storage device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Tool information initialization steps: Create an electronic file for the tool and bind it to its physical storage location within the device; Tool retrieval steps: Receive tool retrieval command issued by user through human-computer interaction module (700); control rotation drive module (200) to rotate the hanging storage module (400) area where the target tool is located to the preset retrieval position; indicate the specific position of the target tool through human-computer interaction module (700); when the tool in-situ sensing unit detects that the tool has been taken away, automatically record the retrieval information; Tool return procedure: When the tool in-situ sensing unit detects that the tool has been returned, the return information is automatically recorded.

9. The tool management method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Before the tool retrieval step, an authentication step is also included: the authentication unit verifies the operator's identity and permissions, and performs subsequent operations only after the authentication is successful; The method also includes an inventory early warning step: periodically or triggeredly obtaining the tool presence status through all tool presence sensing units and generating an inventory report; and issuing early warnings for abnormal states, including tools that have not been returned on time and storage environment parameters that exceed the standard.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the tool management method as described in claim 8 or 9.