Wireless Tool Communication System Frequency Setting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems for tools in factory environments face challenges due to fixed communication frequencies, susceptibility to environmental noise, and the need for multiple setting switches, which can lead to operation failures and inefficient setting processes, especially when multiple tools require settings changes.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication system that allows for easy adjustment of communication parameters, including frequency and output power, using a transceiver with a setting unit and a remote controller, enabling wireless communication of these settings without external interference and reducing the need for physical switches, allowing for dedicated frequencies and reduced interference with other systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless communications frequency is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to change frequency in field

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency changeabilityVSAvoidsetting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical DIP switches with a wireless communication-based setting mechanism. The transceiver reads setting information wirelessly from a portable terminal, eliminating the need for physical switches and enabling frequency changes without mechanical intervention. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability through wireless settings while keeping the device structure simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The transceiver automatically reads and applies setting information from the portable terminal without requiring manual switch operations. The system performs self-configuration by receiving wireless signals containing frequency settings and automatically adjusting its operation, thereby achieving adaptability without adding complex manual setting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If many setting switches are provided, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to intrusion of foreign material

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting flexibilityVSAvoidoperation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical DIP switches and replaces them with a wireless communication-based setting system. Setting information is transmitted wirelessly from a portable terminal to the transceiver, completely removing physical switches that could accumulate foreign materials like iron powder. This substitution maintains setting flexibility while dramatically improving reliability by eliminating the mechanical interface vulnerable to contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If PC is used to set wireless communications frequency, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to need to connect each tool individually

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting mechanism simplicityVSAvoidsetting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal setting mechanism where a single portable terminal can wirelessly configure multiple transceivers. The portable terminal serves as a multi-functional device that can communicate with and set various tools without physical connections. This universal approach maintains simplicity while dramatically improving productivity by enabling batch settings of multiple devices through wireless communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection required for PC-based settings with wireless communication. The portable terminal transmits setting information wirelessly to the transceiver, eliminating the need for physical cable connections. This substitution maintains the simplicity of external setting while dramatically improving productivity by allowing rapid wireless configuration of multiple tools without repeated physical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If wireless communications are used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to communications errors from environmental noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication convenienceVSAvoidcommunication accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic frequency selection where the transceiver can change its operating frequency based on wireless communication conditions. By dynamically adjusting the frequency band, the system avoids stationary frequencies that may be subject to persistent interference, thereby maintaining communication accuracy while preserving the convenience of wireless operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes communication parameters including frequency and other settings based on environmental conditions and interference levels. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system maintains reliable communication in noisy factory environments while preserving the ease of wireless operation. The portable terminal and transceiver negotiate optimal parameters to ensure accurate settings transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2221790B1Wireless communications system for tool
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP2221790B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2221790B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2221790B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A wireless communications system includes a tool having a first wireless communications unit and a transceiver having a second wireless communications unit to receive a signal transmitted from the first wireless communications unit. Further, the transceiver has a setting unit for setting wireless communications parameters for wireless communications between the first and the second wireless communications unit, and the tool has a tool control unit for setting in the wireless communications unit the wireless communications parameters set by the setting unit and transmitted to the tool by wireless communication.