Portable Tool Geofencing Through Learned Usage Volumes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for defining areas of use for industrial tools are cumbersome, expensive, and inflexible, requiring manual entry of numerical coordinates, which limits the efficiency and adaptability of tool control systems in industrial settings.
Innovation Solution
A control system that uses the tool itself as a location means to determine authorized areas of use, allowing for quick and flexible definition of usage volumes through commands such as microphone, RF-ID transceivers, or Hall effect contacts, and enables adaptation to different three-dimensional geometric shapes, ensuring proper operation only within defined zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual entry of numerical coordinates is used to define areas of use, then the control system can verify tool location, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the authorized volume by detecting the tool's positions during normal operation without requiring manual coordinate entry. The control system uses the tool itself as a location means, capturing position data through geolocation means and automatically computing the volume, thereby eliminating the cumbersome manual programming process while maintaining reliable location verification
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary learning by capturing tool positions during a learning phase before actual operation. During this phase, the control system collects position data and automatically defines the authorized volume, so that when normal operation begins, the area is already predefined and ready for verification without requiring operator intervention
2Reliability
If traditional localization systems are used to restrict tool activation zone, then tool location can be monitored, but the system lacks flexibility in adapting to different usage scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the authorized volume based on actual tool usage patterns. Instead of using fixed predetermined zones, the control system continuously learns and updates the authorized volume by capturing tool positions during operation, allowing the system to adapt to different usage scenarios and configurations automatically
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the tool itself as both the operated object and the location means, making the tool multi-functional. This universal approach allows the same tool to serve multiple purposes: performing its primary function and simultaneously providing location data for volume determination, thereby increasing system versatility without adding separate localization hardware
3Productivity
If the tool is used as a location means to determine areas of use, then the definition process becomes quick and simple, but the system requires capturing tool positions during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the tool's primary function with its location function by integrating geolocation means directly into the tool. This combination allows position capture to occur naturally during normal operation without requiring separate measurement devices or additional operational steps, thus increasing productivity without significantly increasing complexity
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 efficient and flexible verification of tool location within authorized zones, allowing for precise operation and preventing misuse by adapting usage parameters to the tool's precise location, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the need for manual programming changes.
Implementation Method 1
The geolocation means is of the RF-ID, ultrasound or infrared type
Implementation Method 2
The geolocation means is of the RF-ID, ultrasound or infrared type
Implementation Method 3
The geolocation means is of the RF-ID, ultrasound or infrared type
Implementation Method 4
The command introduction means is of the type taken from the following set: microphone, RF-ID transceiver, switch, Hall effect contact
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a control system for a portable industrial tool associated with a controller. The system includes a user interface for entering tool operating parameters and a means for geolocating the tool. The portable tool has a first control, typically a trigger, which initiates its use according to at least one of the entered operating parameters. The control system can switch between two operating modes: "learning" and "use." In learning mode, the system acquires the tool's position each time a second control is activated, inhibiting the tool's operation. The different positions define at least one usage zone for the tool. In use mode, the system only allows the tool to operate when a user activates the first control if the tool is located within at least one predefined usage zone.In this way, the control system verifies that the tool is within an authorized operating zone and programs the tool accordingly.