Removable RFID Assembly for Machining Tools

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining tools, particularly gear cutting tools, face challenges in maintaining identifier integrity due to harsh processing conditions such as high temperatures and chemical environments, which damage or destroy information holding units like RFID tags, especially on tools without a separable base or during sharpening and wear coating applications.

Innovation Solution

A removable assembly with a fluid-pressure ejection mechanism is integrated into the tool, allowing an information holding unit to be safely removed from the tool's passageway before harsh processing, enabling the tool to be processed without damaging the identifier, and then reinserted or replaced.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an information holding unit (RFID tag) is permanently attached to a tool, then tracking and inventory management is continuous, but the identifier is damaged or destroyed during harsh processing conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentifier integrityVSAvoidprocessing damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tool system is divided into two separable parts: a permanent tool base and a removable information holding unit. The information holding unit can be detached before harsh processing (coating, heat treatment) and reattached afterward, preventing damage while maintaining tracking capability. This segmentation allows the identifier to survive processing cycles that would otherwise destroy it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The information holding unit is removed in advance before harsh processing conditions occur. By performing the removal action beforehand, the identifier is protected from exposure to damaging environments such as high temperatures during coating application or chemical exposure during wear coating stripping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If an identifier is placed on a tool base, then it survives cutting element replacement, but it becomes separated from the actual cutting element during tool changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentifier attachmentVSAvoidtool identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic removable attachment. The information holding unit can be detached and reattached, allowing it to move with the cutting element during tool changes while maintaining association with the tool base when needed. This dynamic behavior prevents information loss during tool replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The removable information holding unit acts as an intermediary between the tool base and the cutting element. It can be transferred between different cutting elements, maintaining the link between the permanent base and the replaceable cutting component, thus preventing separation and information loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If a unitary construction tool is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but no separable base exists for attaching an identifier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool constructionVSAvoididentifier attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The unitary tool is segmented into a base portion and a removable information holding unit. This segmentation introduces the capability for identifier attachment while maintaining the simplicity of the original unitary construction for the main tool body. The base portion serves as the attachment point without complicating the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base portion is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the cutting element and simultaneously serves as a mounting platform for the removable information holding unit. This multi-functionality adds identifier attachment capability without requiring a completely new tool design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution ensures the information holding unit remains intact, allowing for accurate tracking and inventory management of tools even during harsh processing conditions, maintaining the tool's identity and usage history without compromising the identifier's functionality.

Implementation Method 1

The removable assembly is positionable in a material object, such as a tool, tool component or part, machine, machine component or part, device, etc., and can be removed therefrom by fluid pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS10639756B2Tools with removable information device

Publication Date: 2020.05.05 GLEASON CUTTING TOOLS CORP

AI summary

A removable assembly (38) comprising an information holding unit (36). The removable assembly is positionable in a material object (2), such as a tool, tool component or part, machine, machine component or part, device, etc., and can be removed therefrom by fluid pressure whereby the material object can be subjected to processing that would otherwise cause damage to, or destroy, the information holding unit (36).