Calibratable Tool Sensor-Based Calibration Date Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing calibration methods for tools cannot reliably account for external influences such as environmental changes, leading to a risk of using incorrectly calibrated tools, despite regular calibration schedules.

Innovation Solution

A calibratable tool equipped with sensors and a control device that continuously monitors external influences, adjusting the calibration date to a new, earlier date if measured values exceed predetermined ranges, ensuring the tool is recalibrated immediately upon detection of significant external impacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If a fixed calibration date is set during calibration, then the tool can be used until that date without frequent recalibration, but the tool may become incorrectly calibrated due to external influences before the calibration date expires

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration validity periodVSAvoidcalibration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration date is transformed from a static fixed value to a dynamic value that automatically adjusts based on sensor measurements of external influences. When sensors detect that external influences (temperature, humidity, shocks) have exceeded predetermined ranges, the control device automatically sets a new earlier calibration date, making the calibration validity period adaptive rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A feedback mechanism is implemented where sensors continuously monitor external influences on the tool and provide data to the control device. The control device compares measured values against predetermined ranges and automatically adjusts the calibration date based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that maintains calibration reliability in response to environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If sensors are added to monitor external influences, then the reliability of calibration status is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration status monitoringVSAvoidtool structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device performs multiple functions: it manages the calibration date, processes sensor data, compares measurements against predetermined ranges, and automatically updates the calibration date when needed. By making the control device multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving reliable calibration monitoring.

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

3Reliability

If the calibration date is automatically adjusted to an earlier date when external influences are detected, then the risk of using incorrectly calibrated tools is reduced, but additional monitoring and control mechanisms are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverisk reductionVSAvoidmonitoring system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment regarding calibration status. The sensors automatically detect external influences, the control device independently compares measurements against predetermined ranges, and the system autonomously updates the calibration date without requiring external intervention. This self-service capability reduces the need for additional manual monitoring mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3795954B1Calibratable tool and method for operating a calibratable tool
Publication Date: 2022.06.01 HOFFMANN ENG SERVICES GMBH
  • EP3795954B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a calibratable tool (2) and a method for operating a calibratable tool (2). The calibratable tool (2) comprises at least one sensor (20, 22, 24, 26) and a control device (10), wherein a next calibration date for the tool (2) is stored on a storage medium (12) of the control device (10). The at least one sensor (20, 22, 24, 26) is arranged on the tool (2) such that external influences on the tool (2) can be measured as measured values ​​by means of the at least one sensor (20, 22, 24, 26). The control device (10) is configured to set the next calibration date to a new, earlier calibration date as soon as the at least one sensor (20, 22, 24, 26) measures a measured value that lies outside the predefinable range.