Wearable Sensor Computing Unit for Real-Time Power Tool Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile function devices lack the capability to effectively control external units, such as portable power tools, in real-time based on sensed emission and position-specific characteristics, leading to inadequate operator protection and safety.
Innovation Solution
A mobile function device equipped with a computing unit that processes data from sensor units to generate control signals for external units, enabling open-loop and closed-loop control through wireless communication, incorporating vibration, sound, and position sensors for enhanced operator safety and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a mobile function device includes only sensor and communication units without a computing unit, then the device structure remains simple, but the device cannot effectively control external units in real-time based on sensed data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sensor units, computing unit, and communication unit into an integrated mobile function device. The sensor unit detects emission characteristic quantities and position-specific characteristic quantities, the computing unit processes this data to determine operator state and generate control signals, and the communication unit transmits these signals to external units, creating a unified automated control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing unit is designed to evaluate sensed characteristic quantities and determine operator state in advance, generating control signals before hazardous situations occur. This preliminary processing enables proactive control of external units to prevent harmful effects rather than reacting after problems arise.
2Loss of information
If the mobile function device transmits all sensed data to external units, then complete information is provided for control, but data transmission volume and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The computing unit extracts only the essential control-relevant information from the sensed characteristic quantities. Instead of transmitting all raw sensor data, the system processes the data locally and transmits only the necessary control signals and determined operator state information to external units, reducing communication load while maintaining control effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing unit acts as an intermediary between the sensor unit and external units. It receives raw characteristic quantities from sensors, processes this information to determine operator state, and generates appropriate control signals, thereby mediating the information flow and reducing the complexity of direct sensor-to-external-unit communication.
3Reliability
If the computing unit continuously processes and transmits control signals, then real-time operator protection is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic evaluation and control signal generation based on the operator's state and sensed characteristic quantities. Rather than continuous processing, the computing unit evaluates data at appropriate intervals and updates control signals when changes in operator state or emission levels are detected, maintaining protection reliability while reducing energy consumption during stable operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile function device, in particular a mobile tool-system function device configured to be disposed on an extremity of an operator, includes at least one sensor unit configured to sense at least one emission characteristic quantity and/or at least one position-specific characteristic quantity, and at least one communication unit configured to transmit electronic data to at least one external unit, in particular to a portable power tool and/or to an item of safety clothing. The mobile function device further includes at least one computing unit configured to generate, in dependence on the at least one sensed emission characteristic quantity and/or the at least one sensed position-specific characteristic quantity, electronic data configured to control the at least one external unit by open-loop and/or closed-loop control. The at least one communication unit configured to transmit the generated electronic data to the at least one external unit.