Sensor Tool Holder With Contactless Power Cutoff During Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tool holders for machine tools face issues with battery discharge during storage, leading to reduced productivity and frequent battery replacements due to limited space for batteries and high power consumption, especially when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A tool holder design featuring a contactless switching unit, such as a reed switch, that disconnects the power supply from the data module when not in use, allowing for extended storage without discharge, and potentially using wireless energy harvesting for actuation, ensuring the tool holder is ready for use immediately upon removal from storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the tool holder is equipped with sensors and a battery for data capture and transmission, then the productivity and quality of machining processes are improved, but the battery discharge during storage periods leads to reduced reliability and increased maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic power management system where the switching unit changes the electrical connection state between the power supply and data module based on operational status. During machining operations, the connection is closed to enable data capture and transmission. During storage periods, the connection is opened to prevent battery discharge, thereby maintaining battery reliability while preserving productivity benefits during active use.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the battery capacity is increased to extend storage periods, then the service life during storage is improved, but the space available for the battery in the tool holder is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by cyclically switching the electrical connection between power supply and data module based on operational states. During storage periods, the connection is periodically opened to prevent discharge, effectively extending the usable storage duration without requiring increased battery capacity. This allows the same compact battery to serve both machining operations and extended storage needs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the switching unit is made contactless to protect against cooling lubricant and chips, then the protection against harmful factors is improved, but the actuation mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical contact-based switching unit with a contactless switching mechanism that uses magnetic fields or electromagnetic induction to actuate the switching element through the housing wall. This substitution eliminates direct mechanical contact with the external environment, providing superior protection against cooling lubricant and chips while the field-based actuation mechanism maintains relatively simple construction compared to sealed mechanical switches.
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
This design significantly extends the service life of the battery, reduces the need for frequent replacements, and maintains mechanical stability and reliability, ensuring reliable sensor operation and reduced operating costs.
Implementation Method 1
the switching unit is designed in such a manner that it is actuated without contact through the wall of the housing and/or a cover
Data Source
AI summary
A tool holder having at least one sensor and a transmission device for transmitting the data captured by the sensor to a higher-level controller. The power supply to the sensor or the data module can be interrupted without contact when the tool holder is removed from the machining space of a machine tool. This prevents, for example, the power supply from being discharged while the tool holder is in a magazine outside the machine, and, for example, significantly increases the availability and service life of the tool holder before a battery is replaced, and/or before the accumulator and/or charge storage device is recharged.