Auxiliary Wireless Device Holder for Threaded Power Tool Tracking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power tools often lack integral wireless communication capabilities, making it difficult for users to track and locate them, especially for those who do not need the expensive tools with built-in wireless features, and there is a limited number of tools that offer the option to install an audit chip for tracking.

Innovation Solution

A holder unit with a housing that detachably mounts to a threaded opening on the power tool, securing an auxiliary wireless device containing a wireless communication device and energy storage, allowing periodic tracking and location monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If power tools are provided with integral wireless communication devices, then wireless tracking and location capabilities are improved, but tool cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless tracking capabilityVSAvoidtool cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication device is separated from the power tool into a standalone auxiliary device that can be attached to the tool via a holder unit. This segmentation allows the tool to remain inexpensive while still providing wireless tracking capabilities through the separate auxiliary device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary holder unit is introduced between the power tool and the wireless communication device. This holder unit provides a mounting interface that allows the wireless device to be attached to the tool without modifying the tool's structure or increasing its cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If power tools are provided with wireless communication devices, then wireless tracking capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless tracking capabilityVSAvoidtool design
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the system into a power tool and a separate auxiliary wireless device, the complexity of the tool's original design is preserved while adding wireless capabilities through a modular attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder unit serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the wireless device, offers a mounting interface for attachment, and maintains the tool's original design integrity. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If auxiliary wireless device is added to power tool, then wireless tracking capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless tracking capabilityVSAvoidattachment structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder unit acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the attachment process. It provides a standardized interface that allows the wireless device to be mounted on the tool without requiring complex modification or integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment structure allows for dynamic configuration where the holder unit can be attached and detached from the tool, and the wireless device can be mounted and removed from the holder. This dynamic design reduces complexity compared to permanent integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4578600A1Auxiliary wireless device holder unit for power tool
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 BLACK & DECKER CORP
  • EP4578600A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4578600A1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP4578600A1 patent drawingFigure 1D~1E

AI summary

A holder unit for a power tool is provided including a housing having a plurality of walls defining an open end, the housing being sized to receive an auxiliary wireless device therein through the open end. The housing is detachably mounted to a threaded opening provided on a tool housing of the power tool.