Tool Part Code Verification for Correct Machine Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current machine operations face a high risk of erroneously handling tools due to human error, such as using incorrect tool holders, misplacing or misorienting cutting inserts, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a reader device to identify tool parts through machine-readable codes, connected to an electronic device that verifies the tool parts against desired operation data, issuing alarms or stopping the machine if incorrect parts are detected, ensuring correct assembly and orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual handling and visual inspection of tool parts by operator is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability of correct tool usage deteriorates due to human error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of correct tool usageVSAvoidcomplexity of verification system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual visual inspection system with an automated optical/electronic identification system. Reader devices read machine readable codes on tool parts, and electronic devices automatically verify correctness, substituting human sensory and cognitive processes with mechanical/electronic systems that have higher reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool parts carry their own identification information in machine readable codes, enabling self-identification and self-verification. The system uses the tool's inherent characteristics (codes attached to parts) to verify correctness without requiring external manual inspection, making the verification process autonomous and reliable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If automated reader device and electronic verification system is implemented, then reliability of tool identification is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of tool part identificationVSAvoidcomplexity of identification and verification system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses universal machine readable codes that can identify multiple aspects of tool parts (identity, location, orientation) through a single standardized approach. The reader devices and electronic verification system serve multiple functions: identifying tool parts, verifying their correctness, and ensuring proper assembly, thereby managing complexity through multi-functionality rather than separate specialized systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If visual inspection by operator is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity is reduced due to time-consuming verification process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of tool verificationVSAvoidcomplexity of automated verification system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated reader devices and electronic verification system replace the manual visual inspection process, dramatically increasing verification speed. The electronic system processes identification codes and verifies tool part correctness instantaneously, eliminating the time-consuming nature of manual visual inspection and thereby improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If machine readable codes are read during machine operation, then reliability of tool usage is improved, but loss of time occurs due to verification interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrectness of tool part usageVSAvoidtime lost to verification checks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system reads machine readable codes during machine operation rather than requiring separate verification steps. The reader devices continuously or periodically read codes as tool parts are used, integrating the verification process into the operational flow and maintaining continuous useful action without interruptions for separate verification checks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12447572B2System, method and computer program product for decreasing the risk of erroneously handling of a tool in a machine operation

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 SECO TOOLS AB

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a method, computer program product and system for decreasing the risk of erroneously handling a tool in a machine operation. The system includes a reader device for reading a machine readable code arranged at a tool part and an electronic device having a processing circuitry configured to cause the system to receive desired operation data indicative of a tool part to be used during the machine operation. The method includes the steps of receiving desired operation data indicative of the tool part to be used during the machine operation, detecting the identification marker at the tool part, reading, by the reader device, the machine readable code of the identification marker, identifying the tool part, and determining if the identified tool part corresponds to the tool part according to the desired operation data, the identification marker being a machine readable code associated with the tool part.