Tool Activation Locking for Offline Jobsite Use Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote activation and tracking systems for tools are costly, require complex setup, and are not suitable for field-based industrial jobsites due to power outages, environmental conditions, and lack of continuous wireless communication, leading to potential unauthorized use and theft.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a registration and control component, mobile devices, and tools with data storage and electronic locking provisions that allow for one-time activation without continuous communication, enabling tools to operate based on predefined parameters such as time or usage limits, disabling operation when limits are exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If remote activation systems use continuous wireless communication and sophisticated electronic circuitry, then tool tracking and monitoring capability is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to power outages and environmental conditions at jobsites
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing tool registration and owner identification before the tool is needed at the jobsite. The activation code is generated and stored in advance, allowing the tool to be activated without requiring complex continuous communication systems or sophisticated electronic circuitry during actual use at the jobsite.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex continuous communication and tracking functions from the jobsite environment and relocates them to a remote server-based system. The tool itself only needs minimal electronic provisions for activation code storage and basic operation, removing the burden of complex communication hardware from the harsh jobsite environment.
2Ease of operation
If remote activation systems require continuous wireless signal presence, then real-time tool monitoring is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to use tools in field-based locations without wireless coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary registration and code generation actions before the tool is taken to the jobsite. The activation code is stored in advance, allowing the tool to be activated and used in field-based locations without requiring continuous wireless signal presence. Tool location tracking is handled preliminarily through the registration system rather than requiring continuous monitoring during use.
3Reliability
If electronic theft protection systems use separate activation keys for each tool, then tool security is improved, but device complexity increases making the system cumbersome to implement and use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal activation code system where a single code can be used across multiple tools. The registration system associates tools with owners through a centralized database, allowing one activation code to authenticate access to multiple registered tools. This eliminates the need for separate physical keys for each tool, reducing implementation complexity while maintaining security through the centralized registration and verification process.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for governing and monitoring operations of tools. The systems include a registration and control computer, one or more mobile devices, and one or more tools. The tools include electronic locking provisions which upon activation selectively enable tool operation.