Tool Chain Link Sequencing for Property Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool chains lack an efficient method for identifying properties such as type, value, length, and authenticity, which is crucial for maintenance, repair, and authentication purposes.

Innovation Solution

A tool chain with spatially lined up chain members, where at least two marked chain members carry information signs. The spatial order of these information signs determines a logical order, forming an overall information that identifies the property of the tool chain.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional identification methods are used for tool chains, then the identification process is simple, but the ability to identify properties such as type, value, length, and authenticity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoididentification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The identification system is segmented into multiple chain links, each carrying a portion of the identification information. The complete identification is formed by the spatial sequence of multiple individual chain links, allowing complex property identification to be divided into manageable segments distributed across the tool chain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a spatial dimension to identification by arranging information-bearing chain links in a specific spatial sequence along the tool chain. This spatial arrangement adds a dimensional aspect to identification, enabling complex property identification beyond simple visual markers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If multiple information signs are placed on chain links to identify all properties, then comprehensive identification is achieved, but the complexity of the tool chain structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidchain structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Complete identification information is segmented across multiple chain links rather than concentrated in one location. Each chain link carries a portion of the information (such as type, value, length indicators), and the complete picture is formed by the spatial sequence of these distributed segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chain links serve multiple functions: they are structural components of the tool chain and simultaneously serve as information carriers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate identification components, thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If simple identification markers are used on chain links, then the tool chain structure remains simple, but the information content and specificity of identification is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation contentVSAvoididentification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a spatial dimension to information encoding by using the sequence and position of chain links along the tool chain as part of the identification code. This spatial arrangement multiplies the information capacity without requiring more complex markers on individual links.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Information is segmented across multiple chain links, with each link contributing a portion of the overall identification. This segmentation allows for high information content through the combination of multiple simple elements rather than relying on complex single-point identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Loss of information

If complex overall information is formed from spatial sequence of information signs, then high information content is achieved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the information increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation contentVSAvoidinformation detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The identification information is pre-arranged in a specific spatial sequence during tool chain assembly. This preliminary arrangement of information-bearing chain links in the correct sequence simplifies detection, as the information is already organized in its final form rather than requiring complex processing to assemble.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The complex information is segmented into discrete, easily detectable units on individual chain links. Each link presents a simple identification feature that can be detected independently, while the overall information content emerges from the spatial sequence of these simple segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4530773A1Tool chain, chain tool, method for identifying a property of a tool chain, and system for identifying a property of a tool chain
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 ANDREAS STIHL AG & CO KG
  • EP4530773A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4530773A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4530773A1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4c

AI summary

The invention relates to a tool chain (1), - wherein the tool chain (1) has a plurality of spatially arranged chain links (2), - wherein the plurality of chain links (2) has at least two marked chain links (2ID), wherein the marked chain links (2ID) each have information (3), and - wherein at least one spatial sequence (RR) of the information (3) together determines a logical sequence (LR) of at least the information (3), wherein the logical sequence (LR) of at least the information (3) forms a total information (ID) for identifying a property (EI) of the tool chain (1).