Cutting Edge Identification Markers for Tool Traceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting tools lack effective traceability of individual cutting edges, leading to difficulties in managing wear and usage, as well as a lack of association with operational data, which hinders manufacturers and end-customers in improving manufacturing and managing cutting tools effectively.
Innovation Solution
A cutting tool with machine-readable identification markers on each cutting edge, allowing for unique identification and association with edge-specific data, combined with a system and method for reading and storing this data to enhance traceability and data association.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a single identification marking is placed on the cutting tool body, then the tool can be identified, but individual cutting edges cannot be traced
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system is segmented by placing individual identification markers on each cutting edge rather than a single marker on the tool body. This segmentation enables traceability of each cutting edge while maintaining a manageable overall system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Machine-readable codes serve as intermediaries between the physical cutting edge and the digital data system. These codes enable automatic data capture and association without requiring direct intervention or complex manual tracking processes.
2Reliability
If no identification marker is placed on the cutting edge, then the cutting tool structure remains simple, but the cutting edge cannot be individually identified or traced
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical simplicity of the cutting tool is preserved by replacing complex manual identification systems with machine-readable codes that can be automatically scanned and processed, achieving reliable identification without adding mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the physical structure of the cutting edge, a digital copy or representation (machine-readable code) is created that contains the identification information. This allows reliable tracking without altering the fundamental mechanical design.
3Loss of information
If manual tracking methods are used for cutting edges, then no additional identification hardware is needed, but traceability and data association are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The machine-readable codes enable automatic feedback loops where operational data can be captured, stored, and associated with specific cutting edges in real-time. This automated feedback system eliminates manual tracking errors and improves data accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting edge identification system is self-servicing through machine-readable codes that can be automatically scanned and processed without human intervention. The system automatically associates operational data with the correct cutting edge, eliminating manual data management requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting tool, system, method and computer program product for increasing traceability of at least a first cutting edge of a cutting tool. The method includes detecting at least a first identification marker on the cutting tool, reading the at least first identification marker, decoding the at least first identification marker to determine at least a first cutting edge information data included in the machine readable code of the at least first identification marker, generating a first cutting tool identification data based on at least the at least first cutting edge information data, and storing at least any of the at least first cutting tool identification data and the at least first cutting edge information data in a memory.