Power Tool Remote Locking via Presence Node Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction sites face significant challenges with theft of power tools, which are valuable and easily portable, leading to financial losses and delays, and there is a need for efficient tracking and authorization of tool usage to prevent unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A method for remotely unlocking and locking power tools using a control unit and actuator, with a counter to manage authorization time periods, ensuring tools are locked if the threshold is exceeded, and enabling location tracking through a network of presence nodes for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power tools are kept unlocked for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but security against theft and unauthorized use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic locking and unlocking of power tools based on real-time location data. The tool's security state changes dynamically - unlocked when the user is within the authorized geographic area and locked when outside it. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by providing easy access when needed (within area) while maintaining security when the tool should be protected (outside area).
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the user's location via GPS coordinates and compares them against the authorized service area. This feedback loop automatically triggers locking or unlocking actions based on whether the device detects the user is inside or outside the defined geographic boundaries, resolving the security-access contradiction through automated location-based control.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If power tools are locked for security, then security against theft is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic system that automatically unlocks when the user enters the authorized geographic area. This dynamic behavior maintains security (locked by default) while providing convenient access (automatic unlocking) when the user is in the correct location, thus resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The power tool performs the unlocking action automatically based on its own location detection capabilities. When the device detects that the user has entered the authorized service area, it self-unlocks without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing both security (automatic locking) and ease of operation (automatic unlocking) without requiring constant user attention.
3Device complexity
If manual locking and unlocking is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated feedback from GPS location data to trigger locking and unlocking actions. Instead of manual operation, the device continuously monitors location and automatically responds by locking or unlocking based on whether the user is within the authorized area. This automation eliminates the time loss associated with manual locking/unlocking while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through the use of existing GPS and control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical locking operations with an automated electronic control system that uses GPS data to trigger locking/unlocking. This substitution eliminates the need for users to physically manipulate locks, thereby improving productivity by eliminating time loss while keeping the actual locking mechanism relatively simple through electronic automation rather than complex mechanical systems.
4Measurement precision
If GPS tracking is implemented for location monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous GPS tracking, the system uses periodic location updates triggered by specific events - namely, when the power tool is locked or unlocked. The GPS module activates only at these transition points to record location data, rather than operating continuously. This periodic approach maintains the necessary measurement precision for tracking tool location while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Prevents unauthorized use of power tools by ensuring they are locked outside authorized time frames or areas, reducing theft and improving tool management, thereby minimizing financial losses and operational disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
determining the distance to the second presence node by usage of at least one of: association or signal strength, timing information, Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI), Link Quality Indicator (LQI), Time Difference of Arrival/Time of Arrival (TDoA/TOA)
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, nodes, a power tool and computer programs for and in a power tool (100) for enabling unlocking and locking of the power tool for prevention of unauthorized use, the method comprising receiving (S100) an unlock message to a control unit (210), the message including an instruction to unlock the tool (100), unlocking (S110) the power tool (100) according to the instruction by the control unit (210) via an actuator unit (250), counting (S120) an authorization time period from reception of the first message to the control unit (210) by a counter (230), wherein when the counted authorization time period exceed a predetermined threshold, locking (S130) the power tool (100) by the control unit (210) via the actuator unit (250), thereby enabling prevention of unauthorized use of the power tool (100) by remote unlocking and locking.