Wireless Strain-Sensing Cutting Tool Layout for Easier Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting tools face difficulties in monitoring their state during machining while maintaining ease of handling, as the components required for strain measurement, such as sensors and circuits, can obstruct handling when positioned on a single surface.
Innovation Solution
A cutting tool design with a sensor unit comprising strain sensors on multiple surfaces of the body portion, connected via a board module with a wireless communication unit, allowing for strain information transmission while minimizing protrusion and maintaining ease of handling through recessed configurations and lid protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strain sensors and circuits are positioned on a single surface of the cutting tool body, then the sensor unit can be electrically connected and functionally integrated, but the handling of the cutting tool becomes difficult due to obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The board module is divided into multiple portions arranged on different surfaces of the cutting tool body (first surface, second surface, third surface). The electrical connection between portions is achieved through the body portion itself, which acts as a conductive path. This spatial distribution across multiple surfaces resolves the contradiction by maintaining electrical connectivity while eliminating handling obstruction.
2Ease of operation
If strain sensors and circuits are distributed on multiple surfaces of the body portion, then handling ease is maintained, but the electrical connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The body portion of the cutting tool serves a dual function: it provides structural support and acts as the electrical connection path between the board module portions. By utilizing the body portion's inherent conductivity, the invention eliminates the need for separate wiring or connection structures, thereby reducing electrical connection complexity while maintaining ease of handling.
3Loss of information
If a wireless communication unit is added to transmit strain information, then monitoring capability is improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The board module is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides electrical connection between sensor portions, processes strain signals, and houses the wireless communication unit. By integrating these functions into a single modular component distributed across multiple surfaces, the invention achieves effective strain information transmission while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective monitoring of the cutting tool's state during machining without compromising handling ease, achieving downsizing and increased rigidity through strategic component placement and wireless communication.
Implementation Method 1
a first strain sensor arranged on any of a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface
Implementation Method 2
a wireless communication unit mounted on the board module and transmitting a signal containing information on strain of the body portion detected by the first strain sensor to an outside
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting tool includes a body portion having a bar shape extending from a first end to a second end, and a sensor unit arranged on a surface of the body portion. The surface of the body portion includes a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface. The sensor unit includes a first strain sensor arranged on any of the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface, a board module electrically connected to the first strain sensor, and a wireless communication unit mounted on the board module and transmitting a signal containing information on strain of the body portion detected by the first strain sensor to the outside. The board module includes a first portion arranged on the first surface, a second portion arranged on the second surface, and a connecting portion electrically connecting the first portion to the second portion.