Tool Holder Transfer Routing for Unusable Tool Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool transfer systems waste storage space by transferring unusable tools back to the tool storage section, leading to inefficient use of space.
Innovation Solution
A tool transfer system that includes a controller to determine whether a tool holder contains an unusable tool, prioritizing its removal to a workstation instead of the storage section, thereby preventing wasteful storage and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If unusable tools are transferred to the tool storage section, then the tool transfer system operates automatically without manual intervention, but storage space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts unusable tools from the automatic transfer cycle by routing them to a separate disposal path instead of the tool storage section. The controller identifies unusable tools and directs them to be removed from the machine tool and discarded, preventing them from occupying storage space while maintaining automatic operation for usable tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tool transfer process into two distinct paths: one for usable tools that follows the automatic transfer cycle to storage, and another for unusable tools that is routed to disposal. This segmentation allows the system to maintain automation for beneficial transfers while eliminating wasteful storage of unusable tools.
2Device complexity
If all removed tool holders are transferred to the tool storage section, then the transfer process is simplified, but storage space efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary identification of unusable tools before the transfer decision is made. By detecting tool usability in advance through tool data or worker input, the system can pre-determine the appropriate destination (storage vs. disposal) and execute the corresponding transfer path without complex real-time decision-making during the transfer operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that receives tool holder removal requests, determines tool usability, and directs transfers to appropriate destinations. This intermediary function manages the complexity by centralizing the decision logic, allowing the transfer mechanism itself to remain simple while the controller handles the intelligence of routing.
3Productivity
If tool storage space is not secured, then more tools can be processed, but unusable tools occupy valuable storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a discarding mechanism for unusable tools that prevents them from entering the storage section. By discarding unusable tools through a separate removal path controlled by the controller, the system recovers storage capacity that would otherwise be wasted, thereby increasing the effective quantity of usable tool storage available for productive operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool transfer system includes: a machine tool; a tool storage section in which a plurality of tool holders are able to be stored; a workstation for a worker to perform work for the tool holders; a transfer device for transferring a designated tool holder among a tool holder in the machine tool, a tool holder in the tool storage section, and a tool holder in the workstation, to a designated transfer destination, which is one of the machine tool, the tool storage section, and the workstation; and a controller for controlling the tool transfer system. If a tool holder to be removed from the machine tool includes a tool holder holding an unusable tool, the controller controls the transfer device so as to transfer the tool holder to be removed, from the machine tool to the workstation.