Machine Tool RFID Tool Position Assignment Without Complex Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for assigning tools to installation positions in machine tools face challenges in accurately determining tool presence and type, especially in harsh environments with vibrations, contamination, high temperatures, and limited space, requiring a method that minimizes structural effort and avoids complex wiring.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an RFID system with passive transponders and switchable inputs, where the RFID chip is equipped with an identifying code and digital inputs that can be contacted via a contact field, allowing for unique tool identification and position assignment without a power supply or extensive cabling, using binary switching states to determine the wiring configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If RFID technology with passive transponders is used for tool identification, then the need for power supply and complex wiring is reduced, but the ability to accurately determine tool presence and type in harsh environments is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system is segmented into multiple independent contact fields (first, second, third, fourth contact fields) that can be independently contacted or not contacted. Each contact field provides a binary state (contacted/not contacted), and the combination of these states creates a unique identification code for each tool position, enabling accurate identification without complex wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
A contact field intermediary mechanism is introduced between the RFID transponder and the tool holder. This contact field acts as a mediator that transfers positional information from the tool holder to the RFID chip through simple electrical contacts, enabling the system to determine both tool presence and position without requiring complex direct wiring between each tool and the control system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple contact fields are used to determine tool position, then unique tool assignment is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex wiring requirements are extracted and replaced by a simplified contact field system. Instead of requiring individual wiring for each tool position, the system extracts only the essential positional information through four simple contact fields that can be contacted or not contacted, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise position determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a one-dimensional wiring approach to a multi-dimensional contact field approach. By using four contact fields that can each be in two states (contacted/not contacted), the system creates a 4-dimensional state space that can uniquely identify 16 different tool positions (2^4 = 16), enabling precise position determination without proportionally increasing wiring complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If passive RFID transponders are used without power supply, then installation effort is reduced, but the reliability of information transmission in harsh environments is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID transponder is pre-programmed with identification information before installation. The system performs preliminary configuration by storing tool identification data, position information, and operational parameters in the transponder's memory during manufacturing or setup, eliminating the need for power supply during operation while ensuring reliable data transmission through pre-configured information.
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
Enables unambiguous tool assignment to installation positions in machine tools, even in challenging environments, by determining the tool's presence and type through RFID readings, reducing the need for complex wiring and power supply, and facilitating efficient monitoring and diagnostic information transmission.
Implementation Method 1
Coupling occurs through alternating magnetic fields generated by the reader, particularly at shorter ranges
Implementation Method 2
Coupling occurs through alternating magnetic fields generated by the reader, particularly at shorter ranges, or, at greater distances, through mostly high-frequency radio waves
Implementation Method 3
Coupling occurs through alternating magnetic fields generated by the reader, particularly at shorter ranges, or, at greater distances, through mostly high-frequency radio waves
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to provide an operating method for a machine tool and to propose a system that makes it possible to control the installation, position, and the like of tools in a corresponding machine without significant structural effort, the invention proposes a system for assigning tools mounted on tool carriers to an installation position in a machine, comprising a writable RFID chip arranged on the tool carrier with a transponder, a memory, and passive digital inputs, and an electrically switchable contact field arranged at a connection position of the machine, wherein the contacts of the contact field can be contacted with the digital inputs, and the RFID chip transmits at least an identifier and the assignment of the digital inputs during a query process.