Processing Tool Coupling Interface for Protected Optical Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current processing tools lack effective identification methods, leading to time-consuming and error-prone manual entry of serial or batch numbers to determine tool properties, with risks of incorrect information and tool damage due to harsh environments, especially with RFID chips which are prone to breaking.
Innovation Solution
A processing tool with a first coupling part featuring a one-dimensional or two-dimensional optical machine-readable code as an identification marker, positioned between coupling parts, providing protected exposure and facilitating reading via a smartphone app, eliminating the need for special marker holding units and reducing the risk of damage from harsh environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If RFID chips are mounted to tools using special chip holding units, then tool identification capability is improved, but device complexity and susceptibility to damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification marker from vulnerable mounting structures and integrates it directly into the tool body's coupling part. This eliminates the need for separate chip holding units and their associated complexity, while the marker is positioned in a protected interface area that reduces exposure to damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification marker is nested within the coupling part structure itself, rather than being mounted on the surface. This integration protects the marker from external damage while maintaining its readability function, resolving the contradiction between identification capability and structural complexity.
2Loss of information
If RFID chips are mounted to tools, then tool identification capability is improved, but reliability decreases due to chip breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vulnerable RFID chip mounting structure entirely and replaces it with an integrated optical marker system embedded in the coupling part. This extraction of the fragile component eliminates the reliability issue while maintaining identification functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an optical copy (machine-readable code) instead of an electronic RFID chip. This optical representation of tool identification information is more durable and less susceptible to breakage, thereby improving reliability while maintaining the identification function.
3Loss of information
If manual entry of serial or batch numbers is required, then identification information can be obtained, but time consumption and error risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of reading and typing serial numbers with an automated optical scanning system. The machine-readable code positioned in the coupling part interface can be quickly scanned by automated systems, eliminating manual entry time and reducing errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification marker is pre-positioned in the coupling part interface during tool manufacturing. This preliminary placement ensures that the marker is readily accessible to automated scanning systems, eliminating the need for operators to search for serial numbers on packaging or tool surfaces.
4Ease of operation
If identification markers are exposed on the tool exterior, then readability is improved, but susceptibility to damage in harsh environments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The identification marker is nested within the coupling part structure, positioned in the interface between the tool and connecting tool unit. This nested position provides natural protection from environmental factors while maintaining accessibility for scanning when the tool is mounted or handled.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling part interface acts as an intermediary that protects the identification marker from direct exposure to harsh environments during operation, while still allowing optical scanning systems to read the marker when needed during tool handling or maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A processing tool includes a tool body having a front end surface, a rear end surface, at least one side surface connecting the front end surface and the rear end surface, and a first coupling part extending between a first end and a second end. The first end is disposed at the rear end surface, the first coupling part being one of a female coupling part and a male coupling part. The first coupling part includes a first identification marker having identification information of the processing tool. A processing tool assembly is also provided, wherein the first coupling part is arranged to be coupled to a second coupling part. The first identification marker is positioned at the first coupling part such that it is positioned in an interface between the first coupling part and the second coupling part when the first coupling part is coupled to the second coupling part.