RFID Work Tool Tracking System for Construction Sites
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of work tools used in industries like construction and mining, there is a challenge in tracking and locating tools across job sites, especially when multiple machines and tools are involved, leading to increased time in locating the correct tool and adjusting operational parameters, which affects efficiency and productivity.
Innovation Solution
A tracking system that includes a tracking device on each work tool to transmit a unique identification signal, a scanning device to detect and locate the tool, and a communication module to update a database with the tool's location and timestamp, allowing for real-time tracking and management of tool positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If work tools are left where they were last used and tracked manually, then the tracking system is simple, but the time to locate the correct tool increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an automated electronic system using RFID tags and readers. The RFID tags are attached to work tools and automatically transmit identification signals to readers positioned throughout the job site, eliminating the need for manual tracking and significantly reducing the time to locate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tags on work tools automatically broadcast their identification signals without requiring active participation from the tools or manual intervention. The system serves itself by continuously transmitting location information that readers can detect and report to the central computer, reducing the need for human operators to manually track tool locations.
2Productivity
If multiple work machines and tools operate on a job site, then productivity increases, but the difficulty to keep track of tool locations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal tracking system that can identify and track multiple different types of work tools and machines simultaneously using standardized RFID tags. The central computer database stores and manages information for various tool types, allowing operators to track and locate any tool on the job site through a unified interface, regardless of the specific tool type or which machine it was last used with.
3Adaptability or versatility
If work tools are interchangeably configured on work machines, then task versatility increases, but the time to reconfigure operational parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tracking system provides feedback to the central computer when a work tool is detected or attached to a machine. The database can then provide information about the tool's operational parameters and configuration requirements to the work machine's control system, enabling automatic or semi-automatic adjustment of hydraulic pressure, speed, and other parameters when tools are interchanged, significantly reducing reconfiguration time.
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking system for a work tool is disclosed. The tracking system may include a tracking device coupled to the work tool and configured to transmit a work tool identification signal and a scanning device configured to scan and detect the work tool identification signal within the area around the scanning device and the tracking device. A location identification module and a communication module may be coupled to the scanning device and configured to receive the work tool identification signal, generate a work tool location signal including a location indicator and an identification of the work tool, add a date and time stamp to the work tool location signal and transmit the work tool location signal to an asset location center. The tracking system may further include a controller configured to receive and save the work tool location signal with the date and time stamp into an asset location database.