Rotating Tool Dummy Chip for Balanced ID Chip Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rotatable tools used in metal cutting operations become unbalanced when an ID chip is installed, leading to vibrations and reduced tool life, and the cost of ID chips is not justified for all users who do not utilize their identification features.

Innovation Solution

A tool kit with a rotatable tool that includes a dummy chip of the same mass as the ID chip, which is electronic information storage medium-free and wireless transmitting means-free, allowing the tool to be rotationally balanced with the dummy chip in place, enabling cost-effective manufacturing and easy replacement with an ID chip later.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an ID chip is installed in a rotationally balanced tool, then the tool can provide identification functions, but the tool becomes rotationally unbalanced causing vibrations and reduced tool life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification functionVSAvoidrotational balance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dummy chip that is a physical copy of the ID chip in terms of mass and dimensions, but without electronic functionality. This copy is used during balancing operations to achieve proper rotational balance, and then replaced by the actual ID chip. The dummy chip serves as a temporary placeholder that replicates the physical properties of the final component without the harmful electronic elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs the rotational balancing operation in advance, before the actual ID chip is installed. By using the dummy chip during the balancing process, the tool is pre-balanced to account for the mass of the future ID chip. This preliminary action ensures that when the ID chip is later installed, the tool maintains its rotational balance without causing vibrations or reduced tool life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If ID chips are mounted in all tools, then identification capabilities are available, but manufacturing costs increase unnecessarily for users who do not need identification features

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the identification function from the physical balancing function. The tool is manufactured with a dummy chip for balancing purposes, and the ID chip is added only to tools that require identification capabilities. This segmentation allows manufacturers to produce cost-effective tools for users who don't need identification, while still providing the option for enhanced functionality when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different configurations to different tools based on local needs. Some tools receive only the dummy chip and remain simple, cost-effective cutting tools, while others receive the full ID chip assembly for tools requiring identification capabilities. This local quality approach ensures that each tool has the appropriate features for its specific application, avoiding unnecessary costs for users who don't need identification functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If a tool is balanced without an ID chip, then manufacturing is simpler, but the tool becomes unbalanced when an ID chip is later installed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial balancingVSAvoidrotational balance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dummy chip serves as an intermediary element between the unbalanced tool body and the final balanced configuration with the ID chip. It allows the tool to be balanced in a simple manufacturing process while maintaining the ability to achieve proper rotational balance when the actual ID chip is installed. The intermediary dummy chip facilitates the transition from simple manufacturing to functional completeness without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3050654B1Tool including dummy chip
Publication Date: 2022.03.23 SANDVIK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AB
  • EP3050654B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3050654B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3050654B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A rotating tool includes a tool body (21) having an axis of rotation (A) and a first recess (27) suitable for receiving an ID chip (29) having a first mass and a first exterior geometry. The tool includes a dummy chip (31) receivable in the first recess (27) and the tool is rotationally balanced with the dummy chip (31) in the first recess (27).