Processing Tool Usage Tracking for Consumable Order Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for managing processing tools, such as cutting blades, require significant labor to track usage and determine order quantities, as users must manually check stock and usage history, leading to inefficiencies in ordering consumables.

Innovation Solution

A management method that involves inputting product type information and serial numbers into a processing apparatus, allowing for automated tracking of usage and determining order timing based on predefined thresholds, enabling easy counting of tool usage and optimizing order decisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual tracking methods are used to monitor processing tool usage, then ordering decisions can be made, but significant labor is required to check stock status and usage history

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveordering efficiencyVSAvoidtime for checking stock and usage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an automated information processing system. The processing apparatus automatically inputs product type information and serial numbers into a management server, which then automatically counts usage numbers and determines order timing, eliminating the need for manual checking of stock status and usage history.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The management system performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own inventory status and usage data. The server autonomously counts the number of times processing tools are mounted, tracks stock levels, and determines when reordering is necessary without external human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If product type information and serial numbers are registered in the processing apparatus, then automated usage counting is enabled, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated usage trackingVSAvoidinformation registration system

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The management server performs multiple functions within a single system: it stores product type information and serial numbers, automatically counts usage occurrences, monitors stock levels, and determines order timing. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into one integrated solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The management server acts as an intermediary between the processing apparatus and the ordering process. It receives information from the processing apparatus, processes the data through automated counting and analysis, and provides ordering decisions, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11188050B2Management Method of processing tool

Publication Date: 2021.11.30 DISCO CORP

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a management method of a processing tool mounted to a processing apparatus. The management method includes an information input step of inputting product type information that indicates a product type and a serial number displayed on the processing tool or a case of the processing tool to the processing apparatus when the processing tool is mounted to the processing apparatus, and a tallying step of counting the number of inputs of the serial number regarding each identical product type and tallying the number of uses regarding each product type from the input information. Order timing of each product type is determined from the number of uses.