Lock Tool IC Tag Detection for Open/Closed Position Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to accurately determine whether a rotation part is in an open or closed position, especially in dirty or coated environments, leading to potential operational mistakes and increased costs due to human error and visual oversight issues.

Innovation Solution

A detection device comprising IC tags and a detector with a reading device that communicates via radio waves, allowing for the simultaneous detection of the operation state of an operation tool and the acting state of the mechanism, enabling secure identification of the open or closed position through electromagnetic induction communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If visual observation method is used to confirm open/close position, then no additional detection device is needed, but human error increases and reliability decreases when the vicinity is dirty or coated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the visual observation method (mechanical/physical inspection) with an electromagnetic detection system using IC tags and readers. The IC tag stores position information and the reader automatically detects it, substituting human visual inspection with automated electromagnetic field-based detection, thereby eliminating human error while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The IC tag automatically stores and provides position information without requiring external intervention or visual confirmation. The system serves itself by having the tag continuously hold the position data and the reader automatically retrieving it, eliminating the need for human operators to visually verify the position state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If visual observation is performed in dirty or coated environments, then no additional cleaning or preparation is needed, but measurement precision deteriorates due to obscured visibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection precisionVSAvoiddirt and coating interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visual observation (optical method) with electromagnetic detection using IC tags. The IC tag stores position information that can be read electronically without being affected by dirt or coating on the valve body, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of obscured visibility while maintaining high detection precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If multiple checks are performed by a plurality of people to prevent false recognition, then reliability improves, but loss of time and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition confirmation reliabilityVSAvoidoperation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces multiple human checks (manual verification process) with a single automated IC tag reading system. The electronic detection provides authoritative position confirmation that eliminates the need for multiple human verifiers, thereby maintaining high reliability while significantly improving operational efficiency and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The IC tag system provides immediate feedback on the valve position state through automated detection. The reader retrieves position information from the tag and provides instant confirmation, eliminating the need for multiple sequential human checks and thereby improving productivity while maintaining reliability through consistent automated verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This solution reduces human error and operational costs by providing accurate and reliable detection of the rotation part's position, even in difficult visual conditions, and can be integrated with existing tools and mechanisms without significant modifications.

Implementation Method 1

a detector 2 and a reading device 3. The detector 2 has a detection part 20 and an antenna part 21. The reading device 3 communicates with the detector 2 via radio waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3425553B1Detection device, detection system, detection system operation tool, and detection system mechanism
Publication Date: 2023.05.31 KYOTO TOOL
  • EP3425553B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3425553B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3425553B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

In order to simultaneously detect the operation state of an operation tool and the action state of a mechanism, the present invention comprises two IC tags 10, 11, a detector 2, and a reading device 3. The two IC tags 10, 11 are each arranged in a door 51 for a lock mechanism 5. The two IC tags 10, 11 record operation information for a lock operation tool 4 and action information for the lock mechanism 5, respectively. The detector 2 is arranged in the lock operation tool 4. The detector 2 detects the information for each of the two IC tags 10, 11. The reading device 3 reads information detected by the detector 2. As a result, the present invention can simultaneously detect the operation state of the lock operation tool 4 and the action state of the lock mechanism 5.