Wireless Backup Power Switching for Battery-Removed Power Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered tools face limitations in functionality when the main battery is removed or depleted, as additional features like tracking and security features require a power source, and using an alternate power source can exhaust it quickly or limit functionality.
Innovation Solution
A system that wirelessly secures a power tool by establishing a wireless connection with an external device, using an alternate power source to power the communication system and controller, allowing for secure functionality even without a main battery, through a switch controlled by a processor and wireless transceiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an alternate power source is used to maintain security and tracking features when the main battery is removed or depleted, then the tool can maintain functionality, but the alternate power source can be exhausted quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system is segmented into distinct components: a main battery interface for primary power, a separate alternate power source for backup functionality, and a controller that manages power distribution between them. This segmentation allows the tool to maintain reliability through the alternate power source while preventing excessive energy consumption by carefully controlling when and how the alternate power is used.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between power sources based on operational needs. The controller monitors the state of both the main battery interface and alternate power source, actively managing the transition between them. This dynamic power management ensures the alternate power source is used only when necessary, extending its life while maintaining tool functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the communication system is activated to establish wireless connections and receive signals, then the tool can be securely unlocked, but power is consumed from the alternate power source
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing the wireless communication connection and receiving the unlock signal before activating the full power system. The controller is awakened from a low-power state by the wireless signal, and only then does it proceed to complete the circuit and activate the motor. This preliminary communication phase allows the tool to be securely unlocked while minimizing overall power consumption from the alternate power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system operates periodically rather than continuously. The controller can enter low-power states and is awakened only when needed to receive wireless unlock signals. This periodic operation of the communication system reduces power consumption from the alternate power source while maintaining the ease of wireless operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for or wirelessly securing a tool in a low power mode is provided. In some embodiments, a system comprises a power source interface configured to selectively receive a battery pack; an alternate power source; a controller electrically coupled to the power source interface, and electrically coupled to the alternate power source via a switch; and a communication system electrically coupled to the alternate power source and the power source interface, and operatively coupled to the switch, wherein the communication system comprises a wireless transceiver and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: establish a wireless connection with an external device; receive a signal from the external device; and in response to the signal, cause the switch to complete a circuit between the alternate power source and the controller.