Tool Tracking System Cellular Modem Cloud Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool tracking systems for expensive handheld battery-powered tools are inadequate due to limitations in scope, reliance on specific smartphones, and inability to accurately determine the tool's location, leading to inefficiencies and increased burden on site supervisors.
Innovation Solution
A tool tracking and monitoring system equipped with a communication controller featuring a cellular modem, location module, and short-range communication capabilities, which uploads system information to a cloud-based computing system for centralized tracking and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Bluetooth or wireless communication components are equipped on tools for tracking, then tool location can be logged via smartphone App, but the scope of coverage is limited and only specific smartphones can track the tool
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing multiple communication modules (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular) within the tool tracking system. This enables the tool to be tracked by various devices including smartphones, tablets, and other computing devices, expanding the scope of coverage beyond just specific Bluetooth-capable smartphones. The system can adapt to different communication protocols and devices, making the tracking capability universally applicable across diverse platforms and work site environments.
2Loss of information
If smartphone App is used to track tool location, then location data can be logged, but the App can only log the smartphone's location, not the actual tool location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a dedicated communication controller as a mediator between the tool and the smartphone App. This communication controller includes a processor that receives signals from both the tool's operational components and the smartphone, processes this information, and determines the actual tool location independently. The intermediary controller ensures accurate location data is captured and transmitted to the cloud-based system, resolving the issue of location inaccuracy while maintaining manageable system complexity through centralized intelligence.
3Reliability
If tools are tracked by assigning to site supervisor and documenting at work site, then tool accountability is established, but this places undue burden on the site supervisor and distracts from the job at hand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing automatic tracking and monitoring capabilities directly within the tool itself. The tool autonomously tracks its own location, operational status, and usage information through integrated sensors and communication modules. Data is automatically transmitted to the cloud-based system without requiring manual documentation by the site supervisor. This self-service approach maintains full tool accountability and tracking reliability while completely eliminating the administrative burden on supervisors, allowing them to focus on their primary job responsibilities.
4Reliability
If short-range wireless communication is used for tool tracking, then location can be communicated when near the tool, but the tool might not be close enough to communicate with anything
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple communication technologies (Bluetooth for short-range, Wi-Fi for medium-range, and cellular for long-range) into a single integrated communication system within the tool. This multi-layered communication architecture ensures that the tool can maintain reliable connectivity across all distance ranges. When the tool is close to the smartphone, Bluetooth provides direct communication; when farther away, Wi-Fi or cellular networks take over, ensuring continuous tracking capability regardless of the tool's location or proximity to other devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool tracking system including a location module, configured to receive location information used to determine a tool's location and a communication module configured to communicate with at least one of a mobile computing device and a cloud-based computing system. Upon a triggering event, the communication module transmits at least one of the received location information and the tool's location to the at least one mobile computing device and the cloud-based computing system.