Power Tool Wireless States for Battery-Off Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tools lack efficient wireless communication capabilities that allow seamless data exchange with external devices, especially when the battery pack is detached, and there is a need for a secure time-based lockout feature to manage tool usage.
Innovation Solution
A power tool with multiple wireless communication states, including a connectable state for data exchange when the battery pack is attached and an advertisement state when detached, utilizing a wireless communication controller with a backup power source to maintain time and enable a unique identifier transmission, along with a real-time clock for secure lockout 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 the tool can still transmit identification information, but the communication capability is limited compared to when the battery pack is attached
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication controller dynamically changes its operational state based on power availability. When the battery pack is attached, the controller operates in a first state with full communication capabilities including data exchange and configuration. When the battery pack is detached, the controller transitions to a second state with limited capabilities, transmitting only identification information. This dynamic state adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting communication functionality to available power resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the communication parameter set based on power source availability. In the first state (battery attached), the controller enables comprehensive communication protocols and data transmission. In the second state (battery detached), the controller switches to a simplified communication mode that only transmits identification information. This parameter change allows the system to maintain some communication capability while conserving limited backup power.
2Reliability
If the power tool implements time-based lockout security features with real-time clock, then tool usage can be controlled and secured, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The real-time clock and security control functions are merged into the existing wireless communication controller rather than being implemented as separate hardware components. The controller integrates time-keeping capabilities, lockout logic, and wireless communication in a single unit. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the security functionality, as the same processor and memory resources serve multiple purposes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the wireless communication controller operates in multiple states with different power sources, then communication can be maintained in various scenarios, but the power management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication controller automatically detects the power source status and transitions between operational states without external intervention. The controller monitors the battery pack connection status and autonomously switches between the first state (full communication when battery attached) and the second state (identification-only when battery detached). This self-service approach simplifies power management by eliminating the need for manual state switching or complex external control circuits.
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.