Power Tool Acoustic Identification via Switching Frequency Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power tool devices often lack wireless communication capabilities, making it difficult to transmit data such as usage, maintenance, and location information efficiently, especially in field applications.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing the existing electronic circuitry of power tool devices to generate acoustic signatures based on switching frequencies, allowing for data transmission to external devices via sound waves, which can then be processed to identify the power tool device or transmit data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If wireless communication hardware is added to power tool devices, then data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by utilizing the power tool device's existing electronic components (switching power supply circuitry) to generate acoustic signatures for data transmission. The device serves itself by repurposing its own operational characteristics rather than requiring additional dedicated wireless communication hardware, thereby maintaining data transmission capability while avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the existing electronic components to serve dual purposes: their primary function of power conversion and their secondary function of generating identifiable acoustic signatures for wireless data transmission. This universal approach allows a single component to fulfill multiple roles, eliminating the need for separate wireless communication hardware
2Loss of information
If wireless communication hardware is added to power tool devices, then data transmission capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device leverages its own existing electronic infrastructure (switching power supply components) to enable data transmission functionality. By using components already present in the device for dual purposes, the patent eliminates the need for additional manufacturing steps, parts procurement, and assembly operations that would be required for dedicated wireless communication hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves cost reduction through multi-functionality by making existing electronic components perform both their primary power conversion role and secondary data transmission role. This approach eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble separate wireless communication modules, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining data transmission capability
3Loss of information
If acoustic signal modulation is used for data transmission, then wireless communication capability is improved, but signal detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of distinctive characteristics by encoding data in the acoustic signature's frequency characteristics. Different power tool devices or operational states produce distinct frequency patterns that serve as unique identifiers, making the modulated signals detectable and distinguishable despite the noisy industrial environment. This is analogous to using color changes for identification - the acoustic 'color' or frequency signature becomes the distinguishing feature
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the external device detects the acoustic signature and processes it to retrieve transmitted data. The feedback loop allows for signal verification and error correction, enhancing the reliability of data transmission through the acoustic channel despite environmental challenges
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
Enables wireless data transmission from power tool devices without the need for additional wireless communication hardware, improving data collection and management efficiency in field applications.
Implementation Method 1
the electronic component of the power tool device generates a switching frequency, thereby generating an acoustic signature
Implementation Method 2
Acoustic signal data are received by an external device by detecting the acoustic signature generated by the electronic component of the power tool device
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool device (102) is controlled to emit sounds that can identify the power tool device and/or be used to encode data for acoustic data transmission. Modulating the switching frequency of electronic components (370) (e.g., transistors, semiconductor switched devices) of the power tool device (102) can create an acoustic signature detectable by a microphone-equipped device (104), such as a cell phone, tablet, security camera, or the like. In this way, power tool identification and/or acoustic data transmission can be realized with existing power tool device circuitry and hardware components.