Landscaping Tool Wireless Range Control for Unauthorized Use
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Gardening tools such as chainsaws, brush cutters, and hedge trimmers pose health risks due to cutting injuries and skin burns, especially when used by children unsupervised or in unsafe conditions, and electrically-powered tools are easier to start, increasing danger.
Innovation Solution
A landscaping apparatus with a motor-driven tool equipped with an electronic control unit and a portable remote device, using wireless transceivers to measure distance and automatically deactivate the tool when out of range or without authorization, ensuring safety and preventing unauthorized use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrically-powered landscaping tools are made easy to start by pushing a button, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates because children can operate them without adult supervision
Solution Approach 1:
A portable remote device acts as an intermediary between the user and the landscaping tool. The remote device communicates wirelessly with the tool's control unit, requiring the user to carry the remote within a maximum distance (e.g., 10 meters) to operate the tool. This intermediary mechanism prevents unauthorized operation by children while maintaining ease of use for authorized users.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the distance between the portable remote device and the tool by processing signals exchanged between wireless transceivers. When the distance exceeds the predetermined maximum or the remote is not detected, the control unit automatically deactivates the tool. This feedback loop ensures the tool remains safe while allowing easy operation when the remote is nearby.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a portable remote device with wireless transceiver is added to measure distance and control activation, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable remote device serves multiple functions: it acts as a distance measurement reference, a safety switch, and an authorization mechanism. The wireless transceiver system performs both distance monitoring and communication functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, managing system complexity while achieving safety goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically performs distance measurement, comparison with predetermined values, and activation/deactivation decisions without requiring additional external control systems. The system self-regulates based on the presence and distance of the portable remote device, eliminating the need for complex manual control mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the tool automatically deactivates when the remote device is out of range, then safety is improved, but productivity decreases due to potential interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a predetermined maximum distance (e.g., 10 meters) that is greater than the typical working range of the tool. This preliminary configuration allows the user to move freely within the safe zone without triggering deactivation, maintaining operational continuity while ensuring safety. The user only needs to keep the remote device within this generous range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the tool's operational state based on the real-time distance between the remote device and the tool. When the remote is within the maximum distance, the tool remains active and responsive. When the distance exceeds the threshold or the remote is not detected, the tool automatically deactivates. This dynamic response ensures safety while minimizing interruptions during normal operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances safety by preventing accidental activation and unauthorized use, reducing injuries and theft, while maintaining usability and adaptability to user needs.
Implementation Method 1
cyclically measure a value indicative of a distance between the tool and the portable remote device by processing signals exchanged between the first wireless transceiver and the second wireless transceiver
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a landscaping apparatus (1) comprising: a landscaping tool (10) of the motor-driven type, provided with an electronic control and command unit (40), a portable remote device (60), a first wireless transceiver (45) operatively connected to the electronic control and command unit (40) of the landscaping tool, and a second wireless transceiver (50) associated with the portable remote device (60). The electronic control and command unit (40) is configured to cyclically measure a value indicative of a distance between the tool and the portable remote device by processing signals exchanged between the first wireless transceiver and the second wireless transceiver, and cyclically compares said value indicative of the measured distance with a predetermined value indicative of a maximum distance so as to automatically bring or keep the tool in an inactive condition when said value indicative of the measured distance is greater than said reference value and/or when it is not possible to measure the value indicative of the measured with international search report (Art. 21(3))