Electric Tool Mode Setting via Radio Tag Time-of-Flight

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric tools face challenges in being set to the correct operating mode and associating result values with the objects they are processing, particularly in complex assembly processes, often requiring multiple anchors or complex positioning systems.

Innovation Solution

The method involves detecting radio signals from tags on objects using time of flight measurements to select the appropriate identifier and set the operating mode or associate result values, eliminating the need for additional anchors by using radio signal time of flight between the tool and tags.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional positioning systems with multiple anchors are used to identify objects, then object identification accuracy can be achieved, but device complexity and installation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject identification accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the identification function from complex anchor-based positioning systems and implements it directly on the object being processed through RFID tags. This eliminates the need for multiple anchors in the environment and reduces system complexity while maintaining identification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediary elements attached to objects, which serve as mediators between the electric tool and the object identification system. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture compared to traditional anchor-based positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If radio signal time of flight measurements are used to determine distance, then distance measurement accuracy improves, but signal processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag autonomously performs time of flight calculations by comparing the transmitted signal timestamp with the received signal timestamp, and sends the pre-calculated distance information back to the electric tool. This self-service approach transfers the computational burden from the tool to the tag, reducing signal processing complexity at the tool端 while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution allows for efficient setting of the electric tool's operating mode and association of result values with objects, enhancing accuracy and simplifying the assembly process by using radio tags and time of flight measurements, reducing the complexity of anchor requirements.

Implementation Method 1

Measuring distances between the electric tool and the at least one radio tag based on radio signal time of flight between the electric tool and the at least one radio tag

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP3898074B1A method, an electric tool and computer program for setting an operating mode and/or associate result values of an electric tool
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 ATLAS COPCO IND TECHNIQUE AB INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
  • EP3898074B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3898074B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method and an electric tool for setting an operating mode and/or associate result values of an electric tool. The method comprising the steps of. Detecting at least one radio signal from at least one radio tag positioned on or in relation to an object to be processed, wherein the radio tag comprising an identifier associated with the object. Measuring distances between the electric tool and the at least one radio tag based on radio signal time of flight between the electric tool and the at least one radio tag. Selecting a first radio tag based on the distances. The first radio tag comprising a first identifier. And setting an operating mode of the electric tool based on the first identifier and/or associate result values of the processing steps performed by the electric tool with the first identifier.