Centralized Compliance for Automated Cutting Tool Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated drilling machines operate independently, lack centralized data management, and struggle with cutter wear prediction, location tracking, and software auditing, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to non-uniform software versions and communication challenges.
Innovation Solution
A centralized system that collects and normalizes data from automated drilling machines using existing data collection systems, allowing for remote monitoring and modification of cutting tool wear, cutter location tracking, and software auditing without modifying IP addresses, utilizing a secure network and lightweight software modules to communicate with different controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated drillers work independently with isolated data collection, then each machine can operate autonomously, but centralized data management and cutter wear prediction become impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges isolated data from multiple automated drillers into a centralized database, enabling centralized data management while preserving autonomous operation. The system collects data from each independent driller and consolidates it centrally for comprehensive analysis and prediction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data collection and management system that bridges independent drillers and centralized analysis. This intermediary layer collects data from autonomous machines without disrupting their independent operation, enabling centralized access while maintaining autonomy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different controllers with different operating systems are used in automated equipment, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but communication and data sharing between devices become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal data collection interface that can communicate with multiple different controllers and operating systems. This universal layer abstracts the differences between various device controllers, enabling data collection from diverse sources without requiring complex point-to-point integration.
3Productivity
If cutter serial numbers are not tracked through sharpening processes, then vendors can efficiently re-sharpen cutters, but cutter usage trends and wear patterns cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing and storing cutter identification information before the cutter is sent for sharpening. This ensures that the unique identifier is preserved in the database before the physical cutter is modified, maintaining the link between the physical cutter and its usage history.
4Ease of manufacture
If NC programs are stored on centralized servers rather than local drillers, then software updates and management become easier, but quick visualization and access to drilling processes become slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-loading NC program data and drilling process information into the centralized database before it is needed for visualization. This allows the system to have immediate access to drilling process data when visualization is required, eliminating delays associated with real-time data retrieval.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for cutting at least one of a plurality of features in a workpiece with at least one of a plurality of cutting tools controlled by at least one of a plurality of cutting tool machines is disclosed. The method receives process information describing cutting parameters from cutting tool machines, retrieves predicted cutting tool wear information relating a predicted cutting tool wear value to the cutting parameters, retrieves cutting tool information that include measured cutting tool wear information for the one of the plurality of cutting tools, computes a predicted cutting tool wear value for the one of the plurality of cutting tools from the measured cutting tool wear information, and cuts the at least one feature according to the computed predicted cutter wear value.