Wireless Tool Setting Management System for Accidental Adjustment Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools with modifiable settings face issues such as increased fragility, maintenance costs, production costs, weight, and accidental adjustments due to physically manipulatable tool setting modification devices, which compromise durability and performance.

Innovation Solution

A tool setting management system that allows users to modify settings wirelessly through a paired device, eliminating the need for physically manipulatable components, thereby enhancing durability and reducing maintenance and production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If physically manipulatable tool setting modification devices are included in the tool, then the tool can be adjusted by users, but the tool becomes more fragile and prone to breaking down

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool setting adjustabilityVSAvoidtool durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/electromechanical tool setting modification devices with a wireless communication system. Users pair a wireless device with the tool and modify settings through wireless communication, eliminating physical knobs, dials, buttons, or touchscreens that could malfunction or break in harsh environments.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary between the user and the tool setting modification process. Instead of directly manipulating the tool, users communicate setting changes wirelessly through a paired device, acting as a mediator that protects the tool from direct physical interaction while still enabling adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If tool setting modification devices are added to the tool, then users can modify settings, but production costs and assembly costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool setting modifiabilityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for physical tool setting modification devices by implementing a wireless communication system. This substitution removes expensive components like circuit boards, controllers, and electrical connections, thereby reducing material costs and assembly complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent leverages the universal capability of wireless communication devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) that users already possess. Instead of manufacturing specialized modification devices for each tool, the system uses the user's existing multi-functional wireless device to control tool settings, eliminating the need for dedicated modification hardware.

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

3Ease of operation

If physically manipulatable tool setting modification devices are included, then settings can be changed, but accidental adjustments may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool setting accessibilityVSAvoidtool setting stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication system acts as an intermediary that requires intentional user action through a paired device to modify settings. This intermediate step prevents accidental adjustments that could occur through inadvertent physical contact with knobs, dials, or buttons on the tool itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing direct mechanical interaction with wireless communication, the system eliminates the possibility of accidental setting changes through physical contact. Setting modifications require deliberate wireless communication actions through a paired device, providing greater stability against unintended adjustments.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If electromechanical tool setting modification devices are used, then settings can be modified digitally, but the devices increase weight and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedigital setting controlVSAvoidtool component complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electromechanical modification devices with a wireless communication system, eliminating circuit boards, controllers, and electrical connections. This substitution dramatically reduces both the weight and complexity of the tool while maintaining digital setting control capabilities.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system transfers the computational and control complexity from the tool to the user's existing wireless device, which already possesses the necessary processing power and interface capabilities. This allows the tool to remain simple and lightweight while still providing sophisticated digital setting control through the user's multi-functional device.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3319877B1Tool setting management system and method
Publication Date: 2019.11.06 SIGNODE IND GROUP LLC
  • EP3319877B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3319877B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3319877B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to a tool setting management system and method that provides a tool having a tool setting that a user cannot modify by directly physically manipulating any tool setting modification device of the tool and that enables the user to modify the tool setting using a device wirelessly connected to the tool. Generally, the tool setting management system enables a user to wirelessly pair a user device with a tool. The tool has at least one modifiable tool setting, but does not include any component physically manipulatable by the user to modify the tool setting. Once paired with the tool, the user device enables the user to input a tool setting modification, and sends the tool setting modification to the paired tool. Upon receipt, a controller of the paired tool modifies the stored tool setting in accordance with the received tool setting modification.