Cutting Tool Holder Control Module for Mobile State Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting tool holders require centralized control and monitoring, limiting mobile access and precision in operating state changes, and are inefficient in repositioning due to reliance on BUS systems and higher-level control units.
Innovation Solution
A cutting tool holder with a control module that autonomously acts on actuators and stores operating states, using a TCP/UDP-based server for communication, allowing direct control and monitoring via web-browser-enabled devices, reducing the need for centralized control and enabling real-time state changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a centralized control system with BUS nodes is used to control cutting tool holders, then system-wide coordination is achieved, but the response time for changing operating states is slow and mobile access is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented by distributing intelligence from a centralized controller to individual control modules on each cutting tool holder. Each control module can independently process control commands and adjust actuators, eliminating the sequential processing bottleneck of centralized BUS-based control. This segmentation enables parallel operation of multiple tool holders and reduces overall system response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-level centralized control architecture to a multi-dimensional hierarchical architecture. Control modules on individual tool holders handle local real-time control, while higher-level controllers manage coordination. This dimensional change allows simultaneous local autonomy and global coordination, improving response speed without sacrificing system-wide management.
2Ease of operation
If centralized control units are used to monitor and adjust operating parameters, then comprehensive system monitoring is achieved, but mobile access for operators and real-time parameter changes are not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
A communication interface module serves as an intermediary between the control module and external devices (smartphones, tablets, computers). This intermediary translates wireless communication protocols into control signals that the control module can process, enabling operators to remotely monitor and adjust parameters in real-time without being physically present at the machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical mechanical interfaces (buttons, switches, displays on the control panel) with wireless electronic communication. Operators use mobile devices to interact with the system, eliminating the need for physical presence at the control station and enabling real-time parameter adjustments from any location in the facility.
3Ease of manufacture
If individual actuators and sensors are connected via cables to a central control unit, then reliable communication is achieved, but assembly effort and repositioning complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control module serves multiple functions: it processes sensor data, controls actuators, communicates with the central system, and provides wireless access for mobile devices. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components and connections, simplifying assembly and repositioning while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module is extracted as a self-contained unit with integrated processing and communication capabilities. This extraction eliminates the need for individual cable connections from each sensor and actuator to the central controller, reducing wiring complexity and assembly effort while maintaining reliable communication through the modular control module.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cutting tool holder (1) for holding and driving a cutting tool (2), comprising at least one actuator (3) for setting at least one operating state of the cutting tool holder (1), wherein a control module (4) connected to the actuator (3) is attached to the cutting tool holder (1), which directly and independently actuates the actuator (3) and on which information about the operating state can be stored, wherein a TCP and/or UDP-based server is set up on the control module (4), so that information about an operating state to be assumed can be received from a web browser-enabled terminal device (5, 6) and information about the current operating state can be sent to the web browser-enabled terminal device (5, 6).