Cutting Tool Part Wear Tracking With Encoded Dimension Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining tool wear in machine operations are prone to human error, time-consuming, and inefficient, often leading to incorrect measurements and increased costs due to manual handling and the risk of mixing up tool parts.
Innovation Solution
A tool part with a unique machine-readable code that stores individual dimension information, allowing for automated measurement and comparison with current dimensions using image processing, eliminating the need for initial manual measurements and reducing human error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement of tool parts is performed, then measurement can be done, but it is time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement with an automated optical measurement system using a camera and image processing. The system captures images of the tool part and automatically extracts dimensional data, eliminating the need for manual measurement operations while improving both speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool part itself contains an identification marker with encoded initial dimension information. The system reads this marker to automatically retrieve reference data, allowing the tool part to provide its own measurement baseline without external intervention or manual recording.
2Reliability
If manual tracking of tool wear is performed, then wear can be monitored, but initial measurements may be mixed up and associated with wrong tool parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual tracking and association operations with an automated system that uses machine-readable identification markers. The camera system automatically reads the marker, retrieves the corresponding initial dimensions, and links them to the current tool part image, eliminating human error in association while maintaining a simple workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the tool part's identification information through the machine-readable marker. This digital copy contains the initial dimension data and is automatically linked to the current tool part image, ensuring accurate tracking without manual intervention or complex procedures.
3Reliability
If frequent visual inspection and manual measurement are performed, then tool wear can be controlled, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces frequent manual inspection operations with an automated optical measurement system. The camera and image processing software automatically capture and analyze tool part images, extracting dimensional data and calculating wear without requiring operator intervention, thus maintaining quality control while significantly reducing inspection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by encoding the initial dimension information in the identification marker before the tool part is put into service. This pre-stored reference data enables automatic comparison with current dimensions during inspection, eliminating the need for manual initial measurement and enabling rapid repeated measurements.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a tool part for a cutting tool having an identification marker arranged at the tool part, wherein the identification marker is a unique machine readable code associated with individual dimension information data. The individual dimension information data includes at least one individually measured dimension of the tool part as measured when manufacturing the tool part that will change while wearing the tool part. The disclosure further relates to a system, a method and computer program product for utilizing an identification marker on a tool part for a cutting tool, for determining a tool wear of the tool part.