Portable Power Tool Security via Operator and Location Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for securing machine tools lack effective mechanisms to prevent unauthorized use and theft, particularly in portable machines, where operator-specific parameters and location-based security are not adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

A method for securing portable machine tools by evaluating local and user-specific parameters, including vital signs, movement, position, and authorization levels, using a communication unit for wireless data transmission between the machine and an external unit, which automatically activates or deactivates the machine based on these parameters to ensure secure operation within approved areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If machine tools are secured using conventional methods, then basic security is provided, but unauthorized use and theft cannot be effectively prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity effectivenessVSAvoidsecurity system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The security system is segmented into multiple independent components: location determination unit, communication unit, operator-specific parameter storage, and authorization verification mechanisms. Each component performs a specific function, and together they form a comprehensive security system that prevents unauthorized use and theft while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If operator-specific parameters and location-based security are implemented, then unauthorized use is prevented, but system complexity and data transmission requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorization securityVSAvoidsecurity mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication unit acts as an intermediary that facilitates data transmission between the machine tool and external units. It handles the exchange of operator-specific parameters, location information, and authorization data, thereby implementing complex security verification without requiring direct complex interactions between multiple security components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If machine tools require authorization verification, then theft is prevented, but operational convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetheft preventionVSAvoidmachine activation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-verification by automatically comparing the operator's parameters and location data with stored authorization information. The machine tool itself conducts the security check without requiring manual intervention from security personnel, thereby maintaining theft prevention while improving operational convenience through automated authorization verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3471922B1Method for securing at least one machine tool, in particular a portable power tool
Publication Date: 2020.12.02 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3471922B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3471922B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for securing at least one machine tool (10), in particular a portable power tool, wherein at least one location characteristic value of the machine tool (10) is evaluated in at least one step (12). According to the invention, the machine tool (10) is activated in accordance with at least one operator-specific characteristic value in at least one step (14).