Toolholder, cutting tool, and cutting tool assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of smart toolholders with sensors in cutting processes is hindered by significant noise in sensor signals due to the hostile machining environment, degrading the quality of tool condition determination.
Innovation Solution
Integrate a crossbar array of resistive memory devices with a neural network within the toolholder, eliminating the need for data shuttling and reducing noise by determining conditions locally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If data is shuttled between sensors and external control device, then tool condition determination can be performed, but significant noise is introduced reducing signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the neural network processing unit with the sensor system within the toolholder, merging data acquisition and data processing functions into a single integrated system. This eliminates the need for separate data shuttling between sensors and external control devices, thereby reducing noise introduction and improving signal quality while maintaining tool condition determination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a local processing unit with neural network as an intermediary between the sensors and the external control device. This intermediary performs preliminary processing and filtering of sensor data locally, reducing the noise that would otherwise be introduced during data transmission to external devices
2Power
If conventional CPU is used for neural network processing, then processing capability is sufficient, but power consumption is too high for toolholder operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the processing unit from conventional CPU architecture to a specialized neural network processor architecture. This parameter change enables sufficient processing capability for neural network operations while dramatically reducing power consumption to levels suitable for toolholder operation with limited power availability
3Measurement precision
If neural network is integrated within toolholder, then data shuttling is eliminated improving signal quality, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the toolholder with a multi-functional integrated control unit that combines sensor acquisition, neural network processing, and communication functions. This universal approach consolidates multiple functions into a single component, improving determination quality through local processing while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A toolholder for use with a cutting element in a cutting process is provided. The toolholder includes at least one sensor arranged for detecting an environmental condition, and a control unit operatively connected to the at least one sensor. The control unit includes a crossbar array of resistive memory devices and a power source operatively connected to the crossbar array. The crossbar array includes a neural network stored thereon, the neural network being arranged to determine a condition of the cutting element or of the cutting process based on the environmental condition detected by the at least one sensor. A cutting tool and a cutting tool assembly is also provided.