Power Tool Mesh Network Gateway for Communication Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power tools often cannot transmit information to wireless communication devices due to exceeding the direct communication range or lacking the necessary electronics for certain wireless communication protocols, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A power tool system utilizing a mesh network that allows power tools to communicate with each other and gateway power tools, which then transmit information to wireless communication devices, reducing the need for direct communication and conserving power by periodically establishing and ceasing communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power tools transmit information directly to wireless communication devices, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring expensive communication electronics in all power tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between power tools and wireless communication devices. The gateway establishes a mesh network that relays information from power tools to wireless communication devices, eliminating the need for expensive communication electronics in every power tool while maintaining reliable communication through the intermediate gateway nodes.
2Loss of information
If power tools continuously communicate with wireless communication devices, then information availability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic communication cycles where the mesh network is established, information is transmitted, and then communication ceases. This periodic operation allows information to be available when needed while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous communication, as the power tool can enter low-power states between communication cycles.
3Length of stationary object
If power tools use mesh network communication, then communication range is extended, but device complexity increases due to network management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device serves as a mediator that simplifies mesh network management. It handles network establishment, maintenance, and information routing, allowing power tools to extend communication range through the mesh network without each device needing complex network management capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool (108) and a gateway power tool (102) are provided and include a body. an actuator, an antenna (240). and an electronic controller (210) in communication with the antenna (240). The electronic controller (210) includes a processor (200) configured to in response to an event. establish communication with a mesh network that includes the power tool (108) and an additional power tool (102), transmit, via the mesh network. tool information to the additional power tool (102). and cease communicating with the mesh network after transmitting the tool information to the additional power tool (102).