Tool Adapter Configuration via Automatic Motor Tool Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for adapting devices to various types of motor-driven tools require type-specific configuration information, which complicates manufacturing and user input, and often result in devices being delivered in multiple variants or requiring complex data processing.

Innovation Solution

A method that automatically detects an identifier on the tool and transmits type-specific configuration information from a database to the device, allowing for type-specific processing of operating data without needing to be pre-configured at the factory, enabling delivery in a single variant and reducing user input and data transmission volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If type-specific configuration information is used for adapting devices to different motor-driven tools, then the device can be properly configured for each tool type, but the manufacturing complexity increases and multiple device variants are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice adaptability to tool typesVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed with a universal configuration capability that allows it to adapt to multiple tool types through automatic identifier detection and wireless configuration information retrieval, eliminating the need for multiple pre-configured device variants and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining full adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If type-specific configuration information is pre-loaded in the device, then the device can immediately recognize and adapt to the tool type, but the device complexity and data storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic tool recognitionVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A database serves as an intermediary between the device and tool type configuration information. The device detects the tool identifier and automatically retrieves the appropriate configuration information from the database via wireless communication, eliminating the need to store multiple configuration sets locally while maintaining automatic recognition capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration information is moved from the device dimension to an external database dimension, accessible via wireless communication. This dimensional shift allows the device to maintain simplicity while still achieving type-specific configuration through on-demand information retrieval based on detected tool identifiers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the device processes all operating data from the tool, then complete data is available for analysis, but the data transmission volume and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata completenessVSAvoiddata volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The device applies type-specific processing rules and parameters that are tailored to each tool type. By retrieving configuration information specific to the detected tool type, the device processes only the relevant operating data with appropriate parameters, reducing unnecessary data transmission while ensuring complete and accurate processing of tool-specific data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3825068B1Method for adapting a device to a motor-driven tool, method for the type-dependent operation of a device, device for adapting to a motor driven tool and system
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 ANDREAS STIHL AG & CO KG
  • EP3825068B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3825068B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3825068B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for adapting a device (1) to a motor-driven tool (2) from a set of different types of motor-driven tools (2), wherein the device (1) is arranged on the tool (2), the method comprising the steps: a) acquiring an identifier (ID) from the tool (2) by means of the device (1), and b) transferring type-specific configuration information (AI) from a database (3) to the device (1) based on the acquired identifier (ID) such that the device (1) is configured for type-specific processing of operating data (BD) from the tool (2).