RFID Shank Tool Ring Assembly Without Shaft Weakening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing identification elements for shank tools, such as drills and end mills, are complex to attach and disrupt the tool's function, causing imbalance and increased risk of breakage due to weight and eccentric rotational movements, leading to poor surface quality and tool wear.
Innovation Solution
An identification element with an elastic inner ring and outer ring design, featuring a ring-shaped RFID transponder and a thermoplastic outer ring, which allows for secure attachment without compromising the tool's functionality and balance, and can be easily replaced or reattached to ensure reliable identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an identification element with RFID transponder is attached to the shank of a shank tool using a grub screw, then the tool can be identified, but the shank is weakened and the probability of tool breakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The identification element is divided into two separate rings: an inner ring that contacts the shank tool and an outer ring that contains the RFID transponder. This segmentation allows the identification function to be added without requiring mechanical fastening that would weaken the shank, as the rings can be attached through interference fit or elastic deformation rather than screws.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID transponder is extracted from the shank structure itself and placed into a separate outer ring, allowing the identification function to be added independently without modifying or weakening the shank. The inner ring serves as a mounting interface that does not require penetrating fasteners.
2Reliability
If a heavy identification element is attached to the shank tool, then the tool can be identified, but strong imbalance occurs during rotation leading to eccentric movement and tool damage
Solution Approach 1:
The inner ring is made of elastic material that forms a flexible structure, allowing for a thin-walled design of the outer ring. This flexibility enables the use of lightweight materials and reduced wall thickness while maintaining structural integrity through elastic deformation, significantly reducing the overall weight of the identification element compared to rigid alternatives.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the identification element is made of rigid material, then it provides structural stability, but it cannot be easily pushed over the shank and may damage the tool
Solution Approach 1:
The inner ring is designed with elastic properties that allow it to dynamically adapt during attachment. The elasticity enables the ring to expand or compress temporarily to fit over the shank, then return to its original shape to provide a secure, stable fit. This dynamic behavior combines the ease of installation with structural stability during operation.
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
The solution enables easy and secure attachment of the identification element to shank tools, preventing imbalance and tool damage, ensuring consistent performance and extending tool life by allowing for the replacement of only the inner ring, thus maintaining the RFID transponder's assignment to the tool throughout its service life.
Implementation Method 1
The inner ring (10) is designed to be elastic, on the one hand to enable the identification element to be pushed over a shank of the shank tool
Implementation Method 2
It is designed to be elastic, on the one hand to enable the identification element to be pushed over a shank of the shank tool and on the other hand to hold it in place when the shank tool is in operation.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
An identification element (50) for a shank tool has an elastic inner ring (10) and an outer ring (20) arranged around the inner ring (10), which has a ring-shaped recess formed in the outer ring. An RFID transponder is arranged in the recess. The inner ring (10) of the identification element (50) encloses a shank of the shank tool.