Assembled Tool Tracking With ID-Based Preparation Lists

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool management systems struggle to efficiently manage assembled tools and their components in small lot multi-product production scenarios, leading to difficulties in locating and preparing necessary tools in a timely manner due to increased tool types and storage constraints.

Innovation Solution

A tool management system that utilizes unique identification information for tool components and assembled tools, along with an information input/output unit, list generating unit, and data determining unit to automatically generate preparation tool lists and manage service life information, enabling precise tracking and preparation of assembled tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If tools are stored as assembled tools to maintain tool configuration, then tool management simplicity is improved, but storage space requirements increase and adaptability to different processing types decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool management simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to processing types

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the assembled tool into individual components (tool holder, cutting tool, adapter) and manages each component separately with unique identification information. This allows tools to be disassembled and reconfigured for different processing types while maintaining simple database management through component-level tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tool management system transitions from static assembled tool storage to dynamic component-level management. The system can adapt tool configurations dynamically by selecting and assembling different components based on processing requirements, while the database structure remains simple through automated tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If tool components are replaced and attached onto different tool holders, then adaptability to different processing types is improved, but tracking tool locations becomes difficult and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to processing typesVSAvoidtime for tool location

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback through unique identification information for each tool component and automated database updates. When components are moved or reconfigured, the system automatically tracks and records their locations, providing real-time feedback on tool positions without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual tracking mechanisms with an automated information management system. Unique identification information and database operations substitute for physical tracking methods, enabling automatic location tracking of tool components regardless of movement or reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If manual tracking of tool components is used, then system complexity is reduced, but information accuracy decreases and tool location tracking becomes unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidtool location accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service through automated database operations that track tool component locations without manual intervention. The unique identification information enables the system to automatically update and maintain accurate location data, eliminating the need for complex manual tracking procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates information copies of tool component data in the database, including unique identification information and location data. These digital copies enable accurate tracking and retrieval of tool locations without requiring physical tracking mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while improving accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS20260061540A1Tool management system

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 OKUMA CORP

AI summary

A tool management system includes a tool management device and an information input/output unit. In the information input/output unit, the tool component and/or the assembled tool stored in the tool information database in which unique identification information is assigned is selectable together with a plurality of predetermined action patterns representing actual operations necessary for preparing an assembled tool used in machining. The tool management device includes a list generating unit and a data determining unit. The list generating unit automatically generates a preparation tool list including the selected tool component and/or assembled tool for each of the action patterns when the tool component and/or the assembled tool is selected together with each of the action patterns. The data determining unit determines whether the unique identification information of the actual tool component and/or assembled tool matches the unique identification information listed in the preparation tool list or not.