Power Tool Mesh Network Inventory Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tool inventory systems face inaccuracies due to limited direct communication range, leading to some tools being excluded from inventory lists when they are positioned too far away from the wireless communication device, resulting in incomplete and inaccurate inventory determinations.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a mesh network among power tools and a wireless communication device using Bluetooth mesh technology, allowing power tools beyond the direct communication range to indirectly communicate and transmit their identifiers, thereby increasing the communication range and ensuring all tools can be accounted for in the inventory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct wireless communication is used between the wireless communication device and power tools, then the communication setup is simple, but the communication range is limited and tools positioned too far away are excluded from inventory lists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate power tools as mediators to extend the communication range. When a power tool receives an inventory check message, it retransmits the message to other power tools within its range, creating a relay chain that allows the wireless communication device to discover tools beyond its direct communication range while maintaining inventory accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the inventory checking process into multiple hops through the mesh network. Instead of requiring direct communication for all tools, the system divides the communication path into segments where each power tool acts as a relay, passing the inventory check message through intermediate nodes to reach distant tools.
2Area of stationary object
If a mesh network with multiple relays is established, then the communication range is extended to cover all tools, but the network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having power tools automatically participate in the mesh network without manual configuration. When a power tool receives an inventory check message, it automatically retransmits the message to other tools within its range, and the system automatically builds the inventory list without requiring complex network management or manual setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the inventory checking function with the existing power tool communication capabilities. By combining the inventory check message relay function with the standard power tool wireless communication protocol, the system avoids adding separate complex infrastructure while still achieving extended range and comprehensive tool accounting.
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool, a wireless communication device, and method for jobsite inventory checks are provided. The power tool (104) 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 (220) configured to receive a mesh mode message requesting that the power tool (104) enable a mesh communication mode, receive an inventory check message originating from a wireless communication device, retransmit the inventory check message to at least one additional power tool in a mesh network with the power tool (104), receive an additional tool identifier from each of the at least one additional power tools in the mesh network, and transmit, in response to the inventory check message, a tool identifier for the power tool (104) and each of the additional tool identifiers.