Portable Tool Geolocation Control for Workstation Authorization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of portable tools with autonomous energy sources in industrial production environments poses challenges in ensuring that these tools operate only in authorized workstations, as they can be easily moved to incorrect workstations without a physical cable constraint.

Innovation Solution

A control system for portable tools that includes means to receive control information from geolocation tags, determine its own position within or outside a predetermined workspace, and control its behavior based on this information and predetermined production rules, allowing the tool to operate autonomously without external server or controller instructions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If portable tools with autonomous energy sources are used, then ergonomics and mobility are improved, but the ability to prevent tool misuse at incorrect workstations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveergonomics and mobilityVSAvoidprevention of tool misuse
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable constraint system with an electronic/geolocation-based control system. The portable tool uses geolocation tags and wireless communication to determine its position and receive control instructions, substituting the physical mechanical connection with an intelligent electronic control mechanism that maintains reliability while preserving mobility.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces geolocation tags and wireless communication systems as intermediaries between the portable tool and the control system. These intermediaries enable the tool to autonomously determine its location and receive control instructions without direct physical connection, resolving the contradiction between mobility and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If tools are connected by cable to fixed controller, then workstation authorization is ensured, but tool mobility and operator comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkstation authorizationVSAvoidtool mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection with a wireless geolocation-based control system. The tool uses geolocation tags to determine its position and receives control instructions wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical cable constraints while maintaining workstation authorization reliability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces geolocation tags and wireless communication as intermediaries to transfer control information between the fixed controller and the portable tool, replacing the direct mechanical cable connection with an intelligent wireless mediation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If geolocation control systems are implemented, then tool positioning accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool positioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the portable tool multi-functional by integrating geolocation tag reception, position determination, and control instruction processing capabilities into a single autonomous system. This universal approach allows the tool to handle multiple functions independently, reducing the need for separate specialized components and thereby managing system complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The portable tool autonomously determines its own position using geolocation tags and automatically processes control instructions based on its determined location. This self-service capability reduces the need for external control systems and complex infrastructure, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3444690B1System for controlling a portable tool with autonomous power source, portable tool, corresponding module and control method
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 ETABLISSEMENT GEORGES RENAULT SAS
  • EP3444690B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3444690B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3444690B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Control system for a portable tool with an autonomous power source, portable tool, module and corresponding control method. The invention relates to a control system for a portable tool (100) with an autonomous power source, the system implementing at least one geolocation beacon (110) external to the tool and capable of communicating with the portable tool.The system includes, in or on said portable tool, means for receiving control information delivered by said at least one beacon and means for determining the presence of said portable tool in or out of at least one predetermined space, from said control information, communicating with control means (202) capable of controlling the behavior of said tool according to the presence of said portable tool in or out of said predetermined space(s) and at least one predetermined production rule, said means for receiving, determining and controlling being carried by said portable tool.