MUMBAI, India, Sept. 14 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202641106248 A) filed by G Ashwin Prabhu; Dr. G. Ashwin Prabhu; Mr. Jessinth Goodson K; Mr. Jotheeswaran S; Mr. Nathan Raj G; Mr. Deepakhariprasath R; and Mr. Santhosh S on September 03, 2026, for A Low-Cost Multimodal Tool-Wear Detection System Using Cutting Force, Vibration And Acoustic Signals.
Inventors include Dr. G. Ashwin Prabhu; Mr. Jessinth Goodson K; Mr. Jotheeswaran S; Mr. Nathan Raj G; Mr. Deepakhariprasath R; and Mr. Santhosh S.
The application for the patent was published on September 11, 2026, under issue no. 37/2026.
Abstract: Tool wear is one of the major factors affecting machining performance, dimensional accuracy, surface quality, productivity, and tool replacement cost in manufacturing industries. Conventional tool-wear monitoring methods often depend on direct inspection, operator experience, or individual sensing techniques, which may be expensive, difficult to implement, or incapable of providing reliable real-time information. The present invention proposes a low-cost multimodal tool-wear detection system that combines cutting force, vibration, and acoustic signals for effective and reliable monitoring of cutting-tool condition during machining operations. The proposed system integrates force, vibration, and acoustic sensors positioned at suitable locations around the machine tool to acquire complementary information generated during the cutting process. The acquired signals are conditioned, amplified, and digitized using a low-cost data acquisition and processing unit. Signal- processing techniques are employed to extract relevant time-domain, frequency-domain, and statistical features from the individual sensor signals. These features are subsequently fused to obtain a comprehensive representation of the tool condition. A machine-learning-based classification or prediction module processes the fused features to identify different tool-wear conditions, such as a fresh tool, partially worn tool, and excessively worn tool. The system is designed to reduce dependence on a single sensing modality, thereby improving detection reliability under varying machining conditions and minimizing false indications caused by noise or disturbances in an individual signal. The proposed arrangement emphasizes low-cost sensors, readily available electronic components, and computationally efficient processing techniques, making the system suitable for laboratory experimentation, educational applications, small-scale manufacturing units, and industrial tool-condition monitoring. The system can provide an early indication of progressive tool degradation, enabling timely tool replacement and reducing the risk of poor surface finish, dimensional deviation, unexpected tool failure, and production interruptions. By utilizing the complementary characteristics of cutting force, vibration, and acoustic emission, the invention provides a practical, economical, and scalable approach for real-time or near-real-time tool-wear monitoring. The proposed multimodal approach therefore offers an improved alternative to conventional single-sensor monitoring systems while maintaining simplicity, affordability, and adaptability for different machining environments and operating conditions.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
