Tool Carrier Touch Switch Layout for Reliable Tool Presence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool detection systems in tool supply devices suffer from reliability issues, particularly in non-contact methods, which can lead to incomplete tool checks before and after sensitive operations, risking Foreign Object Damage (FOD) in environments like aircraft assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A tool supply device with electro-mechanical detectors using touch switches and touch elements that directly interact with tools, ensuring reliable presence detection through activation and deactivation based on tool insertion and removal, combined with a data processing unit for real-time inventory management and user access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If non-contact tool detection methods are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of tool detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces non-contact detection methods with electro-mechanical touch switches that have touch elements making direct contact with tools. This mechanical contact system provides reliable detection by physically sensing tool presence through electrical contact, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining acceptable device complexity through standardized switch components.
2Reliability
If touch switches with direct contact are used, then the reliability of tool detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function into separate, modular touch switches with touch elements that can be independently installed in each receptacle. This modular approach allows reliable detection through direct contact while managing device complexity by using standardized, replaceable components rather than integrated complex systems.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive tool monitoring is implemented, then the loss of information about tool presence is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through touch switches that continuously monitor tool presence in each receptacle and transmit this information to a data processing unit. This feedback mechanism ensures complete information about tool presence is captured while managing complexity through simple binary detection states and centralized processing.
4Productivity
If real-time inventory monitoring is implemented, then the productivity of tool management is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses touch switches that are activated periodically when tools are inserted or removed from receptacles, rather than continuous monitoring. This periodic action triggers data transmission to the processing unit only when changes occur, improving tool management productivity while reducing energy consumption compared to constant real-time monitoring.
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 system provides reliable, real-time tool presence detection, automatic inventory management, and access control, reducing the risk of FOD by ensuring tools are complete and accounted for, even in environments with vibrations or movements.
Implementation Method 1
The detector has a touch switch with a touch element, wherein the touch element extends through an opening in the tool carrier and projects with an active surface into the receptacle for a tool
Data Source
AI summary
A tool supply device according to the present disclosure is a workshop trolley, a workbench or a tool cabinet. The tool supply device has a housing and containers, for example, drawers, arranged in the housing. At least one tool carrier is provided in the container, which has a receptacle for a tool, wherein the receptacle is assigned a detector for detecting the presence of a tool in the receptacle. According to the present disclosure, the detector has a touch switch with a touch element, wherein the touch element penetrates through an opening in the tool carrier and projects into the receptacle with an active surface. There are receptacles of a first type, wherein the touch element projects from below through the bottom of a receptacle into the receptacle, and there are receptacles of a second type, wherein the touch element projects laterally into the receptacle.