RFID Shank Tool Ring for Balanced, Non-Weakening Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing identification elements for shank tools, such as drills and end mills, are complex to attach and detach, causing mechanical weakness and imbalance, leading to increased tool breakage and rapid wear due to their weight and design.
Innovation Solution
An identification element comprising an elastic inner ring and an outer ring with an annular recess for an RFID transponder, allowing easy attachment and detachment without compromising the shank tool's functionality, featuring a stop and retaining region for secure positioning and a filling compound for protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an identification element with a metal core and plastic cover is attached to the shank of a shank tool using a grub screw, then the identification element can securely identify the shank tool, but the attachment becomes complex and the shank of the shank tool is weakened, increasing the probability of tool breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The identification element is divided into two separate parts: an inner ring containing the RFID transponder and an outer ring with identification markings. This segmentation allows the inner ring to be easily attached to and removed from the shank tool without complex fastening mechanisms, while the outer ring can be reused with different inner rings.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID transponder is extracted from a traditional housing and integrated directly into the inner ring structure. This eliminates the need for separate mounting components like grub screws and complex attachment mechanisms, simplifying the overall attachment process while maintaining identification reliability.
2Reliability
If an identification element with a metal core and plastic cover is attached to the shank of a shank tool, then the identification element can securely identify the shank tool, but the shank of the shank tool is weakened by the attachment, increasing the probability of tool breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical attachment system using grub screws is replaced with an elastic retention mechanism. The inner ring's elasticity provides sufficient holding force to secure the identification element during operation, while eliminating the need for penetrating fasteners that would compromise the shank's structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the inner ring are optimized with specific elasticity parameters (modulus of elasticity between 0.01 and 1 GPa) to provide adequate retention force without requiring mechanical fasteners. This parameter change enables secure attachment while preserving shank strength.
3Reliability
If an identification element with high weight is attached to the shank of a shank tool, then the identification element can provide stable identification, but it generates strong imbalance even with small errors, leading to eccentric rotational movement and rapid wear of cutting edges
Solution Approach 1:
The inner ring is designed as a thin-walled elastic structure with wall thickness between 0.5 and 2 mm. This flexible shell design provides sufficient structural integrity for secure attachment while minimizing the mass of the identification element, thereby reducing imbalance and eccentric rotational movement during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification element uses composite construction with the inner ring made from elastic material and the outer ring from rigid material with identification markings. This composite approach optimizes the weight-strength balance, providing stable identification functionality while keeping the overall weight low to minimize imbalance effects.
4Ease of operation
If the inner ring is made from material with high elasticity to enable easy attachment and removal, then the identification element can be easily attached and detached, but the material may become brittle at low temperatures or lose elasticity at high operating temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The material selection parameters are precisely defined: modulus of elasticity between 0.01 and 1 GPa, glass transition temperature between -50°C and 90°C, and Shore hardness between 40 and 90 A. These parameter specifications ensure the material maintains appropriate elasticity for easy attachment while remaining reliable across the expected operating temperature range of -20°C to 90°C.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification element employs different materials with optimized properties for different functional requirements: the inner ring uses elastic material for easy attachment and removal, while the outer ring uses rigid material for stable identification markings. This local quality differentiation allows each component to optimize its performance for its specific function while working together as a complete system.
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 secure, balanced, and non-disruptive attachment of the identification element, reducing tool breakage and wear, with the ability to replace only the inner ring, thus extending the tool's life and maintaining reliable identification.
Implementation Method 1
The inner ring (10) serves to contact the identification element with the shank tool. It is designed to be elastic in order to enable the identification element to be pushed over a shank of the shank tool on the one hand and to hold it in position during operation of the shank tool on the other.
Data Source
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), said outer ring having a recess formed annularly 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.