Power Tool Wireless Controller With Backup Beacon Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tools lack efficient wireless communication capabilities for data exchange with external devices, particularly when the battery pack is detached, limiting their functionality and maintenance tracking.
Innovation Solution
A power tool with a wireless communication controller that includes a backup power source, enabling multiple communication states: a connectable state for full data exchange when the battery pack is attached and an advertisement state for limited identification when detached, using a Bluetooth module positioned at the tool's foot for efficient communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the battery pack is detached from the power tool, then the power tool can be stored or transported, but wireless communication capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a backup power source that is pre-configured and ready to activate automatically when the main battery pack is removed. This backup power source maintains the wireless communication controller in a low-power advertisement state, ensuring communication capability persists before and during storage/transport scenarios without requiring the main battery pack to be attached.
2Ease of operation
If the wireless communication controller operates continuously to maintain communication, then data exchange is available, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing two distinct operational states for the wireless communication controller: a full-function connectable state when the battery pack is attached, and a low-power advertisement state when the battery pack is removed. The controller dynamically transitions between these states based on power availability, adjusting its communication behavior to match the operational context and minimize power consumption while maintaining essential functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing different levels of communication functionality based on power availability. In the advertisement state, the controller performs only essential identification functions with limited data exchange, rather than maintaining full communication capabilities. This partial functionality approach ensures basic operation continues with reduced power consumption when the battery pack is not attached.
3Loss of energy
If the power tool lacks identification capability when battery pack is removed, then power consumption is minimized, but tool identification and tracking become impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the backup power source and advertisement state functionality before the battery pack is removed. The unique tool identifier and basic advertisement capabilities are maintained in advance, ensuring that when the battery pack is detached, the tool can still be identified and tracked without requiring full power or complex communication protocols.
Data Source
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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.