Hand Tool RFID Tag Encapsulation in Handle Cavity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RFID-enabled hand tools face issues with RFID tag exposure to corrosive chemicals, mechanical impacts, and interference with tool functionality when the tag is mounted externally, leading to potential failure and operational limitations.

Innovation Solution

A hand tool design featuring a cavity in the handle to encapsulate an RFID tag within a plug, providing a seal against chemicals and cushioning against impacts, while maintaining tool functionality by keeping the tag internal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the RFID tag is mounted to the exterior of the hand tool, then the hand tool can be identified and tracked, but the hand tool cannot fit into tight spaces due to increased size

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRFID tag identificationVSAvoidhand tool size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag is nested within a cavity in the handle of the hand tool, specifically within a plug structure. This internal placement eliminates the need for external mounting while maintaining identification capability, thereby resolving the contradiction between tracking reliability and tool size for accessing tight spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the RFID tag is mounted to the exterior of the hand tool, then the RFID tag can be read, but the RFID tag is exposed to impacts and chemicals causing failure

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRFID tag identificationVSAvoidchemical exposure and mechanical impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag is nested within a sealed cavity in the handle, protected from external harmful factors including corrosive chemicals and mechanical impacts that occur in industrial environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The plug structure acts as an intermediary between the RFID tag and the external environment. It provides a sealed barrier that prevents direct contact with harmful chemicals and impacts while still allowing RFID signals to pass through for identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If the RFID tag is mounted externally using adhesives or shrink wrap, then the RFID tag can be attached, but the attachment method may fail under impact and chemical exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRFID tag attachmentVSAvoidRFID tag durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag is nested within a permanently integrated cavity in the handle rather than being externally attached. This eliminates the need for adhesives or shrink wrap that could fail under environmental stress, providing both ease of manufacture through integrated design and long-term reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID tag mounting is merged with the handle structure itself through the cavity and plug integration. This combines the attachment function with the handle's existing structure, eliminating separate attachment components and their associated failure points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2812155B1Hand tool having an electronic identification device

Publication Date: 2016.11.16 STANLEY BLACK & DECKER INC

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AI summary

Disclosed are various embodiments equipping a hand tool with an electronic identification device. The hand tool includes a handle having a cavity. A plug at least partially encapsulates the electronic device and inserts into the cavity in the handle. The plug may include one or more seals to prevent fluids or other debris from contacting the electronic identification device.