RFID Transponder Dosimeter for Hand Tool Vibration Monitoring
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for detecting vibration loads from hand-held power tools are costly for users and do not effectively monitor exposure limits to prevent health damage from prolonged vibration stress.
Innovation Solution
A retrofit system comprising a dosimeter worn by the user and a transponder with an RFID chip attached to the power tool, which includes acceleration sensors, an evaluation device for comparing vibrations with threshold values, and an analysis device to determine normalized load based on exposure duration, providing real-time monitoring and alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dosimeter with RFID reader and acceleration sensors is integrated into a hand-held power tool, then vibration exposure monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: a transponder attached to the power tool containing RFID chip and acceleration sensor, and a dosimeter worn by the user containing the reader. This segmentation allows the monitoring functionality to be added without significantly increasing the complexity of either component individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID transponder acts as an intermediary between the power tool and the dosimeter, enabling wireless data transmission of vibration parameters without requiring direct physical connection or integration between the two devices.
2Measurement precision
If an integrated dosimeter system is built into hand-held power tools, then vibration monitoring accuracy is improved, but investment cost for users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transponder is designed as a separate, relatively inexpensive component that can be attached to the power tool, allowing users to obtain vibration monitoring functionality without making a large investment in integrated system development.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosimeter can work with multiple different power tools by reading data from their respective transponders, providing universal functionality that reduces the need for tool-specific investments.
3Loss of information
If vibration monitoring parameters are stored in the power tool memory, then data availability is improved, but reading accessibility and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID transponder serves as an intermediary that stores vibration data in machine-readable form and enables easy retrieval by the dosimeter, combining data availability with user-friendly access through wireless communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical process of manually accessing and reading data from tool memory is replaced by automated RFID wireless communication, allowing the dosimeter to automatically read vibration parameters without user intervention.
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
Enables cost-effective and accurate monitoring of vibration exposure, allowing users to avoid health risks by providing timely alerts and records of vibration exposure, thus ensuring compliance with safety limits.
Implementation Method 1
The transponder can contain an RFID chip. The dosimeter may contain a reader for an RFID chip.
Implementation Method 2
The dosimeter has at least one acceleration sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The hand tool machine (10) is provided with a machine housing (11), a motor (12), a drive train (13) and a pneumatic hammer mechanism (14). The pneumatic hammer mechanism strikes periodically on a tool (15) which is mounted in a tool holder (16). The periodic shocks lead to a vibration. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a system for vibration detection; and (2) a method for detecting a vibration.