Electrically Powered Tool Security Circuit with Cut-Triggered Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security devices for electrically powered tools are vulnerable to theft due to the risk of cable cutting, which allows the tracking facility to be removed, and user-activated codes are cumbersome and risky to manage.
Innovation Solution
A smart lead with a power shut-down circuit embedded in the tool and a remote tracking circuit in the plug, utilizing a 5-core cable and authentication tokens, ensures the tool is immobilized and trackable even if the cable is cut, with remote control options for immobilization and geofencing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tracking facility is placed in the cable, then the tool can be tracked, but the cable can be cut off between the unit and the tool, allowing the tracking facility to be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: the power shut-down circuit is embedded in the tool casing while the control means is provided in the plug. This segmentation ensures that cutting the cable does not remove the tracking capability, as the control means remains with the plug. The segmentation also protects the power shut-down circuit within the tool from tampering.
Solution Approach 2:
The power shut-down circuit is pre-configured to automatically immobilize the tool if cable tampering is detected. This preliminary anti-action prevents the thief from successfully removing the tracking facility or using the tool, countering the potential harm of cable cutting before it can be exploited.
2Reliability
If the power shut-down circuit is provided in the tool, then the tool can be immobilized, but it becomes difficult to tamper with the power shut-down circuit without damaging the tool
Solution Approach 1:
The power shut-down circuit is merged with the tool's existing electrical system and housed within the tool casing. This integration protects the circuit from tampering while maintaining the tool's原有功能. The control means in the plug communicates with this integrated circuit through the cable, coordinating the immobilization function.
3Reliability
If a user input code is required to activate the tool, then the tool can be protected from unauthorized use, but the user has to remember the necessary code which becomes more difficult with multiple tools
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service theft protection through automatic tracking and immobilization functions that operate without requiring user codes or authentication. The control means in the plug automatically communicates with the power shut-down circuit in the tool, eliminating the need for users to remember codes while maintaining security.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A security device (10) for an electrically powered device includes a remote tracking circuit (35) for mounting in a power plug or supply cable, a control means (18) for mounting in the power plug (20) or supply cable (14), a power shut-down circuit (16) for immobilising a tool (12) and positioning within the tool casing; and a power cable (14) connected between the control means (18) and power shut down circuit (16), the power cable (14) being adapted to supply power to the tool (12), and the power shut down circuit (14) being controlled by the control means (18), the power shut down circuit (14) being configured to automatically shut down the power supply to the tool until the control means (18) is reconnected, if the cable (14) is severed.