Power Tool Wireless Controller With Backup-Powered Tool Advertising
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tools lack efficient wireless communication capabilities that allow them to maintain connectivity and functionality even when the primary battery pack is detached or depleted.
Innovation Solution
The power tool incorporates a wireless communication controller with multiple states, including a connectable state for communication with an external device when the battery pack is attached, and an advertisement state for transmitting a unique tool identifier when the battery pack is detached or depleted, utilizing a backup power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power tool uses only the battery pack for wireless communication, then power consumption is optimized during operation, but the tool loses connectivity when the battery pack is detached or depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The power tool's power system is segmented into two independent parts: a removable battery pack for primary power supply during operation, and a built-in backup power source for maintaining wireless communication functionality. This segmentation allows each component to serve its specific purpose without interfering with the other, ensuring connectivity is maintained even when the battery pack is detached.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup power source is pre-configured and activated before the battery pack is removed. When the battery pack is detached or depleted, the wireless communication controller automatically switches to the backup power source, which has been prepared in advance to maintain advertisement mode operation and tool identification capabilities.
2Reliability
If the wireless communication controller operates in advertisement mode with backup power, then tool identification is maintained when battery is removed, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication controller dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on power availability. When the battery pack is present, the controller operates in full connectable mode with lower relative power consumption. When the battery pack is removed, the controller transitions to advertisement mode powered by the backup source, optimizing power usage for the specific task of tool identification rather than full communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different operational modes are applied based on the specific power source available. The connectable state utilizes the full power capacity of the battery pack for comprehensive communication, while the advertisement state uses the limited backup power source solely for tool identification and advertisement messaging, matching the power consumption to the functional requirements of each state.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the power tool maintains multiple communication states, then functionality is preserved across different power scenarios, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication controller automatically monitors the presence and status of the battery pack and autonomously transitions between connectable and advertisement states without requiring external intervention. The controller self-manages the power source selection and communication mode adjustment, reducing the need for complex external control logic while maintaining adaptability to different power scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool having multiple wireless communication states and a method of wirelessly communicating by a power tool. The power tool includes a motor, a battery pack interface that selectively receives a battery pack, a backup power source, and a wireless communication controller coupled to the backup power source and the battery pack interface. The wireless communication controller operates in a connectable state when coupled to a battery pack and transmits tool operational data to the external device and receives tool configuration data from the external device. The wireless communication controller operates 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 the unique tool identifier. The external device may also display an indication of the communication state of the power tool.