Assembled Tool Identification for Compensation Value Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool management systems struggle to efficiently manage assembled tools in machine tools, leading to interference issues, incorrect compensation values, and increased labor costs due to the need for frequent tool number changes.
Innovation Solution
A tool management system and device that utilize a tool information database, an assembled tool ID generation unit, a data retrieval unit, and an assembled tool determination unit to manage assembled tools, allowing for reliable storage of post-change information and efficient assignment of tool numbers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tool number of the tool holder is kept the same before and after adjustment or tool change, then the management process is simplified, but the compensation value information is overwritten and incorrect compensation values are used
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the identification into two levels: tool holder ID (physical identifier attached to the holder) and assembled tool ID (logical identifier for the complete assembly). This segmentation allows the tool holder to maintain a consistent physical identity while the assembled tool can have updated identifiers reflecting current configuration state
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary that manages the relationship between tool holder ID and assembled tool ID. It stores compensation values associated with specific assembled tool IDs and retrieves them based on the current tool configuration, preventing direct overwriting while maintaining operational simplicity
2Reliability
If the code information (tool number) is changed to avoid interference and reflect tool changes, then the tool configuration is accurately tracked, but labor is required and logs become unknown
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automatic detection and identification. When a tool holder is mounted, the control device automatically reads the tool holder ID, determines the current tool configuration, generates or retrieves the corresponding assembled tool ID, and sets the appropriate flag - all without manual intervention for code changes
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of changing tool numbers and updating logs is replaced by an automated information system. The control device uses sensors or readers to detect tool holder IDs and automatically manages the digital records, eliminating manual labor and preserving complete operation logs
3Reliability
If another set of tool holder and cutting tool is prepared to maintain unique identification, then the tool ID uniqueness is preserved, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each tool holder is designed to be universal and can be mounted with different cutting tools while maintaining its unique tool holder ID. The system accommodates multiple cutting tools on the same holder through the assembled tool ID and flag mechanism, eliminating the need for duplicate tool holders and reducing the total quantity of physical tools required
Data Source
AI summary
A tool management system includes a tool management device and an information input and output terminal. The tool management device manages an assembled tool including a tool holder and a cutting tool mounted on the tool holder. The information input and output terminal is configured to input and output data to/from the tool management device. The tool management device includes a tool information database and a data retrieval unit. The data retrieval unit retrieves the assembled tool ID including the input tool holder ID to make information relating to the same assembled tool referable when the assembled tool determination unit has determined that the tool holder is holding the cutting tool, and retrieves the input tool holder ID to make information relating to the same tool holder referable when the assembled tool determination unit has determined that the tool holder is not holding the cutting tool.