Externally Attachable Tracking Clip for Power Tool Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an effective tracking system for power tools that can securely attach to the tools and transmit their location wirelessly, addressing the challenge of locating misplaced or stolen tools on job sites.
Innovation Solution
A power tool tracking clip with a wireless beacon transmitter that securely attaches to the tool, featuring a clip body with arm members that grip the tool and a transmitter that wirelessly communicates its identifier and location to an external device, enabling real-time tracking and location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tracking device is integrated into the power tool, then tracking functionality is built-in, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system is divided into separate components: a standalone tracking clip that attaches to the power tool externally, rather than integrating the tracker into the tool itself. This segmentation allows the tracking functionality to be added without modifying the power tool's internal structure, thus avoiding increased device complexity and manufacturing costs for the tool while still achieving reliable tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
A tracking clip serves as an intermediary device between the power tool and the tracking system. The clip attaches to the tool's exterior mounting features and houses the beacon transmitter, acting as a mediator that provides tracking functionality without requiring integration into the tool's core structure, thereby maintaining simplicity of the power tool while achieving reliable tracking.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mounting features are added to the power tool for accessory attachment, then accessory versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting features on the power tool are designed with universal functionality, serving multiple purposes: they enable attachment of the tracking clip, support other accessories like belt clips and bit clips, and provide a standardized interface for various attachments. This multi-functionality achieves accessory versatility without requiring separate specialized mounting structures for each accessory type, thereby controlling manufacturing cost and complexity.
3Reliability
If the tracking clip uses flexible inwardly biased arm members to grip the tool, then attachment reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arm members of the tracking clip are designed to be flexible and inwardly biased, allowing them to dynamically adjust and conform to the contours of the power tool. This dynamic flexibility enables reliable gripping and secure attachment without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or multiple rigid components, achieving attachment reliability with relatively simple device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool tracking clip includes a wireless beacon transmitter having a memory that stores an identifier and a transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the identifier. A clip body member has a beacon receptacle, and the wireless beacon transmitter is positioned within the beacon receptacle. A first arm member is coupled to a first end of the clip body and has a first inner surface configured to engage a power tool. A second arm member is coupled to a second end of the clip body and has a second inner surface configured to engage the power tool. A mounting feature on the first arm member aligns with a corresponding mounting feature on a corresponding outer wall of the power tool when the power tool tracking clip is mated to the power tool.