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Table of Contents
NFC-enabled Tool Lockers
See also https://roundup.ehlab.uk/issues/issue76
We have portable tools that require training before use, or which are valuable and at risk of being borrowed or stolen. The proposed solution is to create individual lockable compartments operated by our existing NFC tokens.
Compartments
Option: We will use some of the existing wall shelving in the workshop. Vertical dividers will be added to create closed compartments. Compartment doors will be made from clear acrylic.
Option: We will purchase a KALLAX shelf from IKEA, and put wheels on it. The back will be closed with a sheet of wood. Compartment doors will be made from clear acrylic or KALLAX door inserts will be used. The unit will be placed in G1 as part of a re-organisation and removal of the test bench island.
Option: We will purchase a KALLAX shelf from IKEA. The back will be closed with a sheet of wood. Compartment doors will be made from clear acrylic or KALLAX door inserts will be used. The unit will be placed in G8 under the workbench below the bench grinder.
Mechanical
Electric cabinet locks [DSCK7267] will be used to secure the doors. These locks are 12V operated, fail-secure, and with a closure detection switch. A TTP223 touch sensor module will be used to trigger the release of an individual lock after authentication via NFC.
Electronics
A single controller will operate a group of lockers. It's likely that an ESP32 will be used, with a PN532 NFC module and 20×4 LCD.
I2C expanders and relays will be mounted on stripboard for the interface to the locks and sensors.
Addressable RGB LED strip will be installed in each compartment to provide status feedback (tool checked in/out, compartments authorized after an NFC swipe).
Use Cases
Some of the tools or equipment that might be stored securely (some of these are only likely to be purchased if secure storage is available):
- Makita cordless tools (to avoid borrowing or theft)
- Angle grinders (to ensure that users are trained)
- Good quality measurement tools (calipers, micrometers)
- Hand tool kits with easily lost parts