Power Tool Interface Modules for Cross-Platform Protocol Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication protocols for power tools are complex and lack a universal standard, making it difficult to enable seamless communication and data exchange across various power tool types and platforms, including those powered by different voltage sources.
Innovation Solution
A universal protocol system is implemented using a generic universal core module and interface modules specific to each tool type, enabling translation between different communication protocols and allowing for the retrieval of performance data and firmware installation across a variety of power tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different communication protocols are used for each power tool type, then each tool can communicate independently and reliably, but the system complexity increases and universal communication becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication protocol that enables a single protocol structure to serve multiple power tool types and platforms. The protocol is designed with platform-agnostic features that allow it to handle communications across AC-powered, DC-powered, and battery-powered tools without requiring tool-specific protocol variations, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication protocol is segmented into distinct functional layers and message types that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the protocol to maintain a consistent core structure for reliability while enabling flexible adaptation to different tool types through modular message formats and optional parameters, preventing the need for entirely different protocols for each tool category.
2Ease of manufacture
If a universal communication protocol is implemented across all power tool types, then development costs are reduced and interoperability is improved, but communication reliability may be compromised due to the diversity of tool platforms
Solution Approach 1:
The universal protocol incorporates local quality adaptations by including tool-specific parameter fields and configuration options within the standardized message structure. This allows the protocol to maintain universal formatting and communication rules while accommodating platform-specific characteristics such as voltage types (AC, DC, battery), power ratings, and operational parameters, ensuring reliability across diverse tool platforms without sacrificing universality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If platform-specific communication protocols are used for AC and DC powered tools, then each platform can be optimized for its specific requirements, but the ability to exchange data and control signals between different platforms is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The universal protocol acts as an intermediary layer between platform-specific communication requirements and the need for cross-platform data exchange. It provides a standardized message format and translation mechanism that enables AC-powered, DC-powered, and battery-powered tools to communicate with each other through a common protocol structure, facilitating seamless data exchange while allowing each platform to maintain its optimized communication characteristics through parameter adaptations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for communicating between motorized power tools includes establishing, using a physical interface of a first power tool, a wireless radio link between the first power tool and a second power tool. The first power tool has a first motor and the second power tool has a second motor. A signal is received over the wireless radio link, via the physical interface, at the first power tool from the second power tool using a first wireless communication protocol. The signal includes an identifier. The second power tool is verified as authorized to send the signal to the first power tool based on the identifier. A tool component of the first power tool is controlled responsive to the signal.