Power Tool Wireless Controller With Backup-Powered Advertisement Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tools lack efficient wireless communication capabilities and battery management systems that allow for seamless data exchange and operation monitoring, especially when the battery is detached or low on power.
Innovation Solution
A power tool equipped with a wireless communication controller, a backup power source, and a real-time clock that maintains time independently of the battery connection, enabling multiple communication states and battery pack detection to facilitate data exchange and operation management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power tool uses a battery pack for power supply, then the tool can operate with sufficient power, but the wireless communication controller cannot maintain communication capabilities when the battery pack is detached or low on power
Solution Approach 1:
The power tool system is segmented into two independent power sources: a main battery pack for high-power operations and a backup power source for low-power communication functions. This segmentation allows the communication controller to maintain wireless capabilities using the backup power source when the main battery is detached or depleted, resolving the contradiction between maintaining communication reliability and managing battery power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
A backup power source is pre-installed in the power tool specifically to maintain communication capabilities. This preliminary action ensures that even when the main battery pack is removed or becomes low on power, the communication controller can still transmit advertisement messages and maintain connectivity with external devices, thereby preserving wireless communication reliability without requiring continuous high battery power.
2Loss of information
If the power tool operates in connectable state with full communication features, then data exchange capability is enhanced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication controller dynamically transitions between two operational states: connectable state and advertisement state. In the connectable state, the controller provides full data exchange capabilities when powered by the battery pack. When battery power is insufficient or the battery is detached, the controller transitions to the advertisement state, consuming less power by only transmitting advertisement messages. This dynamic state adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining data exchange capability and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters based on power availability. When the battery pack is connected, the communication controller operates with high-power transmission and full data exchange features. When the battery pack is detached or low on power, the controller changes parameters to low-power mode, transmitting only essential advertisement messages with reduced frequency and power consumption, thereby balancing information exchange capability with energy conservation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the power tool provides comprehensive wireless communication functions, then user interaction is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle both connectable state operations (full data exchange, configuration updates, diagnostics) and advertisement state operations (broadcasting tool identifier, basic status information). This universal design allows a single controller to provide comprehensive communication functions across different power scenarios without requiring separate hardware systems, thereby enhancing adaptability while managing device complexity efficiently.
Data Source
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AI summary
A power tool having multiple wireless communication states, the power tool comprising a motor, a battery pack interface that selectively receives a battery pack, a backup power source, a wireless communication controller coupled to the backup power source and the battery pack interface, a switching network coupled between the motor and the battery pack interface, an actuator and a controller coupled to the actuator and the switching network. The wireless communication controller includes a wireless transceiver and a processor. The wireless communication controller is configured to operate in an advertisement state when the wireless communication controller is coupled to and powered by the backup power source. In the advertisement state, the wireless communication controller is configured to transmit an advertisement message including a unique tool identifier. The controller is unpowered when the wireless communication controller is in the advertisement state. The controller is configured to control the switching network to apply power from the battery pack to drive the motor based on actuator activation.