Stored Power Tool Wireless Link via Toolbox Inductive Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered tools face limitations in communication range and power availability, making it difficult to implement additional functionalities like tracking, updating, and security features when the main battery is depleted or not in range.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables wireless communication with power tools using a communication device integrated with a tool box, which includes multiple antennas for increased coverage and can establish communication links using various protocols like NFC, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi, even when the main power source is not available, by providing external power through inductive coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the main battery is used to power communication functions, then communication range and functionality are limited by battery availability, but extending communication range requires additional power resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tool box and communication device into a single integrated unit. The tool box houses the communication device, processor, transceiver, and antenna, allowing the system to communicate with stored tools without requiring the tool's main battery. This merging enables communication functionality to be independent of the tool's power state.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication device is designed to perform multiple functions: establishing wireless communication links, providing power through inductive coupling, and enabling various communication protocols (NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi). This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple separate components and operate in various scenarios regardless of the tool's battery state.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols are implemented, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device incorporates multiple transceivers that support different communication protocols (NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) within a single integrated unit. This universal design allows the system to adapt to various communication scenarios without requiring separate devices for each protocol, managing complexity through integration rather than multiplication of components.
3Reliability
If inductive coupling is used for power transfer, then power availability is extended to stored tools, but energy transfer efficiency decreases with distance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing communication and power transfer before the tool is fully removed or before battery depletion occurs. The inductive coupling is activated in advance when the tool is still within range, allowing power to be transferred proactively rather than reactively, ensuring continuous operation.
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 extended communication range and functionality for power tools, allowing for tracking, updating, and security features even when the main battery is depleted, enhancing convenience and usability.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data
Implementation Method 2
providing external power through inductive coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for wirelessly communicating with a stored power tool is provided. In some embodiments, a comprises a power source interface configured to selectively electrically couple to a power source; a transceiver; an antenna; a electrically coupled to the power source, the transceiver, and the antenna, wherein the processor is configured to: establish a first communication link with an external device; receive an indication that communications with the power tool are to be carried out; and in response to the indication that communications with the power tool are to be carried out, establish a wireless second communication link with the power tool using the transceiver and antenna.