Reusable Connector Unique Identifier for Consumable Tool Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for tracking consumable or perishable tools in the aerospace industry, such as tapes and adhesives, are prone to errors due to the need for frequent re-identification or the use of generic identifiers, leading to incomplete foreign object detection and control.

Innovation Solution

A connector with a unique identifier that remains in constant contact with the consumable or perishable tool, tracking features like expiration date and batch number, and is designed to attach securely via complementary pieces, ensuring accurate identification and tracking through asset management software.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a new unique identifier is placed on consumable tooling every time it is refreshed or returned to storage, then tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoididentifier management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the identifier from the consumable tool itself by attaching it to a durable connector that remains with the storage location. This segmentation allows the identifier to be reused across multiple consumable tool replacements without requiring reapplication, thereby maintaining tracking accuracy while reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The unique identifier is pre-associated with the connector before consumable tools are attached. This preliminary association ensures that the identifier is already in place and ready for tracking, eliminating the need to apply new identifiers each time consumable tools are refreshed or returned to storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If a generic identifier is used to represent the total perishable tool population, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and foreign object detection capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentifier system complexityVSAvoidforeign object detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connector serves as an intermediary between the storage location and the consumable tools. The unique identifier attached to the connector provides specific identification for each storage location's tool population, while the connector itself remains a reusable component. This intermediary approach enables precise tracking of specific tool populations without requiring complex identification systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional tool tracking systems are used for consumable tools, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but reliability of foreign object detection and control is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem implementation easeVSAvoidforeign object detection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the durable connector with the consumable tools by attaching the identifier to the connector that remains at the storage location. This combination ensures that the identifier consistently represents the specific population of consumable tools at each location, improving reliability of foreign object detection while maintaining ease of implementation through the simple attachment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9430725B2Unique identifier insert for perishable or consumable tooling

Publication Date: 2016.08.30 SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORP

AI summary

A device for tracking a consumable or perishable tool is provided including a connector configured to couple to a body of the consumable or perishable tool such that the connector remains in constant contact with the consumable or perishable tool for a life of the tool. The connector includes an exposed unique identifier configured to provide identification information about the tool when access by an asset management software.