Portable Hand Tool Remote Activation for Hazardous Environments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable power tools, particularly battery-powered hydraulic tools, require manual activation which can expose operators to hazardous environments, necessitating remote activation for safety.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a portable, battery-powered tool with a remote monitoring and operation system, including a frame that includes a camera that includes a frame that includes a remote monitoring and a remote control system, including a camera that includes a remote control system, a battery, a motor, a controller, and a wireless module for remote operation and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual activation of portable battery-powered tools is used, then ease of operation is improved, but operator safety deteriorates due to exposure to hazardous environments
Solution Approach 1:
A remote computing device acts as an intermediary between the operator and the tool. The operator interacts with the computing device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) which then communicates wirelessly with the tool controller to activate the working head, eliminating the need for direct physical contact with the tool in hazardous environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into two separate components: a local controller embedded in the tool and a remote computing device. This segmentation allows the operator to control the tool from a safe distance while the local controller handles the actual activation and monitoring of the working head.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If remote activation system is implemented, then operator safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional monitoring and control components
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a local control unit for the tool's operation and as a wireless communication interface with remote computing devices. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated remote control hardware and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically establishes wireless communication protocols and data exchange formats between the controller and various types of computing devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops). The controller self-configures to work with different remote devices without requiring manual setup, simplifying the user interface and reducing complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If camera and wireless module are added for remote monitoring, then operator safety and monitoring capability are improved, but weight of the tool increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera operates in periodic intervals rather than continuously, activating only when the working head is engaged or when triggered by specific events. This reduces power consumption and allows for smaller, lighter camera components and battery capacity while maintaining effective monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera, wireless module, and controller are integrated into a compact nested arrangement where smaller components are housed within or alongside larger ones. This minimizes the overall volume and weight of the added components while maintaining all necessary functionality for remote monitoring and control.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides hand-held, battery-powered tools for performing operations such as crimping and cutting, and having a remote monitoring and control systems. A frame of the tool supports a working head, a battery, a motor connected to the battery, a controller and a camera.