Spindle-Mounted RFID Tool Recognition for Safe CNC Tool Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current numerical controlled machines for working wooden and other materials face inefficiencies in tool identification, including lengthy reading times, lack of dynamic data updating, and safety risks due to incorrect tool coupling, which can result in workpiece damage and operator safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates an RFID recognition system with a reading and writing device positioned on the spindle to surround the tool holder, allowing for rapid and dynamic data exchange, ensuring correct tool coupling and updating, and enhancing safety through operational connection to the logic control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If an RFID recognition system is used to identify tools in numerical controlled machines, then tool identification capability is improved, but the time required to read each RFID tag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary tool identification by reading RFID tags during tool holder loading into the magazine, before the actual machining operation begins. This preliminary action ensures tools are pre-identified and mapped to their correct positions, reducing time during active operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reading device is positioned to surround the tool holder and maintains continuous reading capability as the tool holder rotates or moves into position. This continuous action eliminates gaps in identification and allows overlapping read operations, reducing total identification time.
2Device complexity
If traditional tool identification systems are used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but the ability to verify correct tool coupling with spindle is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by reading the RFID tag on the tool holder after it is coupled with the spindle and verifying that the identified tool matches the required tool for the current operation. The logic control unit receives this feedback and can trigger alerts or stop operations if verification fails, ensuring safety without requiring complex mechanical verification mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If static RFID tags are used on tool holders, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but dynamic data updating capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamically updateable RFID tags that can have their data modified during operation. The reading device can write new data to the tags, allowing real-time updates of tool status, wear information, and operational parameters without replacing the physical tags, thus maintaining low manufacturing costs while gaining adaptability.
4Device complexity
If tool identification is performed manually, then device complexity is minimized, but productivity and accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automated identification where the RFID tags on tool holders automatically transmit their identification data to the reading device when positioned within range. This eliminates the need for manual intervention in the identification process, significantly improving productivity while keeping the system relatively simple.
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 solution significantly reduces tool identification time, ensures accurate and safe tool coupling, and allows for real-time data updates, improving operational efficiency and safety while maintaining competitive costs.
Implementation Method 1
RFID technology allows obtaining information by means of a system made of at least one RFID tag or transponder and a reader that can be configured to read the data contained in the RFID tag and/or to write data on said RFID tag. Both the RFID tag and the reader are provided with a respective antenna to allow radio frequency communication between the RFID tag and the reader.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
The present invention relates to a machine (M) for working workpieces made of wood, plastic, metal, fiberglass, glass and ceramic, comprising a logic control unit (U) in which at least one predefined program for working said workpieces is stored, at least one working head (3) to which a spindle (31) for executing the program for working said workpieces is coupled, at least one tool holder (32), to which one respective tool (33) for working said workpieces can be coupled, and said at least one tool holder (32) being coupled to said spindle in a removable way (31), said at least one tool holder (32) being provided with at least one storage and identification mean (5) comprising information relating to said respective tool (33), said machine (M) comprising a reading and/or writing device (6) of said information comprised in said at least one storage and identification mean (5), arranged coupled to said spindle (31) by means of a supporting structure (34) so as to surround at least partially said tool holder (32), and said writing and/or reading device (6) being operationally connected to said logic control unit (U), so as to send said information to said logic control unit (U). The present invention also relates to a system for recognizing tools and a relative operating method of the machine.