Power Tool Theft Prevention via Multi-Code Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing theft prevention measures for high-performance power tools require time and effort for re-authentication, which is inefficient and inconvenient, especially in settings where multiple users manage tools at various sites.
Innovation Solution
An electric device system that includes a detachable power device with storage and communication means for authentication codes, allowing conditional or unconditional use based on matching codes, enabling theft prevention without the need for frequent re-authentication by allowing the device to switch between usable and unusable states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If authentication is performed using a time-limited code as disclosed in Patent Literature 1, then theft prevention function is provided, but re-authentication is required when effective time elapses which consumes time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-registering multiple authentication codes (first through fourth codes) in the storage unit before use. These codes are prepared in advance with different validity conditions, allowing the system to switch between them without requiring re-authentication. The control unit automatically manages which code is currently valid, eliminating the need for users to perform authentication again when one code expires.
2Duration of action of moving object
If multiple authentication codes are stored and managed, then continuous use permission is enabled without re-authentication, but device complexity increases due to multiple codes and management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication system into distinct functional components: a storage unit that holds multiple authentication codes (first through fourth codes) and a control unit that manages their validity. This segmentation allows the complexity to be contained within the device's internal architecture while presenting a simple interface to users. Each code serves a specific purpose (e.g., initial authentication, temporary permission, permanent permission), making the system manageable despite having multiple codes.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically manages the validity and switching of authentication codes without requiring user intervention. The system self-monitors which code is currently valid and automatically transitions between codes based on predetermined conditions, eliminating the need for users to manually manage multiple authentication codes and reducing the perceived complexity for end users.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an electric device, power device, electric device system, and management device capable of providing a theft prevention function that requires less effort as compared to the prior art. A power tool comprises a main power tool unit, and a battery pack 4 which can be attached to and removed from the main power tool unit. The main power tool unit and the battery pack each have a storage means for storing at least one authentication code and a communication means for transmitting and receiving the authentication code, and permit use when an authentication code received via the communication means matches at least one of the authentication codes stored in the storage means, and do not permit use when said authentication code does not match any of the authentication codes. The authentication code is set by a management device which is an external device.