Power Tool Wireless States for Battery-Detached Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tools lack efficient wireless communication capabilities and effective security features, particularly when battery packs are detached, limiting their functionality and data exchange with external devices.
Innovation Solution
A power tool with multiple wireless communication states, including a connectable state for full data exchange when a battery pack is attached and an advertisement state for limited identification when detached, utilizing a backup power source to maintain communication and a real-time clock for time-based security features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power tool uses a backup power source to maintain wireless communication when the battery pack is detached, then continuous identification and data exchange are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power tool system is segmented into two independent power sources: a main battery pack for primary operations and a backup power source for wireless communication. This segmentation allows the backup power source to independently maintain communication functions even when the main battery pack is detached, ensuring continuous identification while managing complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup power source acts as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between battery pack detachment and communication continuity. It provides the necessary power to the wireless communication controller during the transition period, enabling seamless handoff and maintaining system reliability without requiring complete system redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the power tool provides full data exchange capability when battery pack is attached, then communication functionality is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on battery pack attachment status. When the battery pack is attached, the system operates in full data exchange mode with higher energy consumption. When detached, it transitions to advertisement mode with reduced energy consumption, managed by the backup power source. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between communication capability and energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes communication parameters (data exchange rate, transmission power, communication frequency) based on power availability. In full power mode with battery pack attached, high-rate data exchange is enabled. In backup power mode, the system reduces transmission power and data rate to match the limited energy available from the backup power source, maintaining adaptability while controlling energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool having multiple wireless communication states and a method of wirelessly communicating by a power tool. The power tool includes a motor, a battery pack interface that selectively receives a battery pack, a backup power source, and a wireless communication controller coupled to the backup power source and the battery pack interface. The wireless communication controller operates in a connectable state when coupled to a battery pack and transmits tool operational data to the external device and receives tool configuration data from the external device. The wireless communication controller operates in an advertisement state when the wireless communication controller is coupled to and powered by the backup power source. In the advertisement state, the wireless communication controller is configured to transmit the unique tool identifier. The external device may also display an indication of the communication state of the power tool.