Machine Tool Identification Using Proximity-Triggered Tool Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In manufacturing settings, tools like molds and dies often lack critical information, leading to identification challenges and potential misuse due to incomplete or lost data, which can be time-consuming and wasteful.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing machine-readable labels such as barcodes, QR codes, or NFC transmitters integrated with tools to provide and update critical information, including tool specifications, maintenance records, and usage data, accessible via a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If machine-readable labels are integrated with tools, then access to critical tool information is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses machine-readable labels (barcodes, QR codes, NFC tags) as information copies that store tool data without modifying the physical tool structure. These labels contain copied information about tool specifications, maintenance records, and usage data, allowing access to complete tool information without adding physical complexity to the tool itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the tool label and the user. The mobile device reads the machine-readable label and retrieves additional information from a remote database, mediating the information access process and keeping the tool itself simple while enabling comprehensive information availability.
2Loss of time
If machine-readable labels are integrated with tools, then time to access tool information is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Critical tool information is pre-encoded into machine-readable labels during tool manufacturing or before tool deployment. This preliminary action ensures that all necessary information is ready for immediate access when the tool is used, eliminating the need for manual information gathering or investigation during tool operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses universal machine-readable label technologies (barcodes, QR codes, NFC) that can be manufactured using standard, widely-available processes. These labels serve multiple functions: identification, information storage, and database linkage, making the system manufacturable with existing infrastructure while providing comprehensive tool information access.
3Measurement precision
If machine-readable labels are integrated with tools, then tool identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visually distinctive features into machine-readable labels, including color coding and graphical elements alongside barcodes and QR codes. These visual characteristics provide immediate visual confirmation of tool identity and type, enhancing identification accuracy beyond what machine-readable codes alone could provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional barcode/QR code labels to three-dimensional NFC tags with antenna structures embedded in or attached to tools. This dimensional evolution enables wireless, contactless reading and provides additional data storage capacity, improving identification accuracy while maintaining relatively simple implementation through standard NFC technology.
Data Source
AI summary
A tooling system may comprise a device configured to communicate with an identifier of a machine tool and a tool database having tool information including a predefined proximity associated with the identifier. The device may be configured to automatically activate, without a user-initiated scan, communication with at least one of the machine tool and the tool database in response to the identifier being within the predefined proximity. The device may also be configured to transfer tool information of the machine tool with respect to the tool database.