The “Taiwan Innovation and Technology Expo 2022” took place from October 13 to 15 at the Taipei World Trade Center, with NPUST participating as an exhibitor and achieving multiple awards as usual. Among the 500 patented works competing for the highest Platinum Award, Associate Professor Huang Wei-Tai from the Department of Mechanical Engineering received the Platinum Award for his “Tool Holder for Vibration-Assisted Cutting Tools.” This award is the highest honor in the Asian innovation and invention realm. National Pingtung University of Science and Technology had a total of 11 teams participating in two exhibition areas, including the Invention Competition Zone and the Future Technology Pavilion.
Associate Professor Huang Wei-Tai’s award-winning invention, the “Tool Holder for Vibration-Assisted Cutting Tools,” is the world’s first to use an internally embedded driving vibration design, distinguishing it from most systems using an externally driven vibration design. This breakthrough addresses the previous issues of large volume, difficult setup, and non-adjustable frequency of ultrasonic vibration-assisted cutting tool bodies. The tool holder system can be promoted and sold independently, easily integrating with various types of tool machines from domestic and international industrial brands. The patented technology adjusts the tool structure for different ultrasonic vibration-assisted benefits, achieving different vibration-assisted benefits according to different needs. Through an intelligent module, it determines the energy required during cutting processing, significantly reducing the power consumption of the lathe spindle and tool wear, achieving energy savings. The system not only enhances work efficiency but also reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions, contributing to the promotion of green manufacturing goals in the industry. Currently, the ultrasonic vibration-assisted turning tool system and the tool holder for vibration-assisted cutting tools can be applied in various tool machines domestically and internationally. The patented technology, including vibration cutting tools and tool holder patents, has completed physical system production and various functional tests. The US patent application has been initiated, and subsequent efforts will focus on promoting and transferring patented technology.
In addition to the Invention Competition Zone, NPUST was invited by the Ministry of Science and Technology to participate in the Future Technology Pavilion. The teams included the Animal Remedy Research Center, Professor Gong Xu-Yang from the Department of Information Management with “Design and Implementation of a Smart New Agriculture Information Service Platform: A Verification Site for Local Pig Farms,” and Associate Professor Chen Chia-Hsiang from the Sports Division with “Construction of Pedaling Patterns and Strategies through Bicycle Pedals.” These works showcased the university’s interdisciplinary development from smart agriculture to sports technology. In the Invention Competition Zone, a total of eight teams exhibited works, including Associate Professor Huang Wei-Tai from the Department of Mechanical Engineering with “Tool Holder for Vibration-Assisted Cutting Tools,” Professor Cai Bi-Ren from the Department of Food Science with “Food Preservation Device and System,” Professor Shi Wen-Ling from the Department of Biotechnology with “Product Composition of Extracts from Bitter Tea Seeds,” Associate Professor Zheng Chun-Fa from the Graduate Institute of Sports Research with “Game-based Puzzle-like Map Structure and its Production Method,” Mr. Wang Ming-Feng from the Research and Development Center with “Umbrella with Lightning Warning Function,” Mr. Yang Zheng-Hui with “Programmable Feeding Feed Management System,” “Mobile Monitoring Water Quality Measurement System with Adjustable Volume Scoop,” and Mr. Bai Mao-Yuan with “Adjustable Volume Scoop.”
National Pingtung University of Science and Technology stands out among the more than 1,000 innovative technologies exhibited by 20 countries globally. It is evident that the university not only serves as the foundation for developing innovative technologies in agriculture but also extends its applications to industrial use, demonstrating diverse and creative developments covering various aspects of life. The university not only enhances its role in vocational education but also continuously excels in competitions both domestically and internationally, benefiting students in professional skill development. It is also a crucial driving force for the growth of domestic enterprises and the economy. Congratulations to the winning teams, and thanks to the teachers and students of other participating teams for their continuous improvement in industry-academia research, assisting the country in promoting industrial upgrading and transformation, and connecting international technology exchange.
