Power Tool Theft Deterrence via Battery Code Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tools and battery packs lack effective theft prevention mechanisms, as previous solutions rely on authorization codes that can be compromised or shared, leading to potential misuse or theft.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a pass code system where the power tool and battery pack compare codes upon connection, disabling operation if they do not match, and allowing for secure charging only with a compatible charger, ensuring that stolen tools cannot be used with unauthorized components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If authorization codes are used for theft prevention, then theft deterrence is improved, but the codes can be compromised or shared leading to potential misuse
Solution Approach 1:
The authorization system is segmented into multiple components: a first authorization code stored in the power tool, a second authorization code stored in the battery pack, and a third authorization code stored in the charger. Each component has its own security credential, creating layered authentication that prevents single-point compromise. The battery pack must present the second code to the power tool, and the charger must present the third code to authenticate the battery pack, distributing security functions across separate segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack serves as an intermediary that mediates between the power tool and the charger. It receives authentication from the power tool by presenting its second authorization code, and then mediates charging authentication by presenting its third authorization code to the charger. This intermediary role creates additional authentication layers that prevent direct unauthorized access between the power tool and charger.
2Reliability
If pass code comparison is implemented between power tool and battery pack, then operational security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Authorization codes are pre-stored in each device (power tool, battery pack, and charger) during manufacturing. The first code is pre-loaded in the power tool, the second code is pre-loaded in the battery pack, and the third code is pre-loaded in the charger. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex runtime code generation or external authentication servers, reducing operational complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The authorization codes are copied and stored in each device's memory during manufacturing. Each device contains a copy of its specific authorization code (first code in power tool, second code in battery pack, third code in charger), allowing independent authentication without requiring continuous communication with a central authentication system. This copying approach simplifies the authentication mechanism while ensuring security.
3Reliability
If charging is restricted to compatible chargers only, then battery pack security is improved, but charging convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The charger performs feedback authentication by comparing the third authorization code received from the battery pack with its stored third code. If the codes match, the charger provides feedback by enabling charging current flow. If the codes do not match, the charger provides negative feedback by blocking charging current. This automated feedback mechanism ensures security while maintaining ease of operation, as the authentication occurs automatically without requiring user intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool system includes a hand-held power tool having a motor or a solenoid that drives a tool, and a first memory that stores at least one pass code. A battery pack is detachably attached to, and supplies current to, the power tool and has a second memory that stores at least one pass code. An electronically-actuatable lock and a first controller are provided in the power tool and/or in the battery pack. The first controller reads the pass codes from the first and second memories when the battery pack is attached to the power tool, directly compares the pass codes from the first memory and the second memory, and causes the first electronically-actuatable lock to prohibit or impair operation of the power tool when the pass codes do not match or otherwise correspond in a predetermined manner.