Automatic Spindle Connection With Electrical and Air Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing numerical control machines require manual connection of high-speed electro-spindles to tool-holder spindles, leading to time wastage and increased machining costs.

Innovation Solution

A device for automatic connection of a high-speed spindle to a numerically controlled machine, utilizing first and second connecting elements with electrical and pneumatic contacts to seal and power the spindle without operator intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual connection of high-speed electro-spindle to tool-holder spindle is used, then connection reliability is ensured, but operational time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational timeVSAvoidmanual connection requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system performs self-connection through automated engagement of the electro-spindle with the tool-holder spindle. The electrical contacts and pneumatic connectors automatically establish connections without operator intervention, enabling the system to service itself during tool changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical connection operations are replaced by an automated connection device that uses electrical contacts and pneumatic connectors. The system substitutes human-operated mechanical coupling with an automated mechanism controlled by the numerical control unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual connection procedures are used, then connection accuracy is maintained, but machining costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining cost reductionVSAvoidconnection system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device merges electrical contacts, pneumatic connectors, and mechanical coupling elements into a single integrated assembly. This combination allows simultaneous establishment of electrical power connections and pneumatic supply connections during one automated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device serves multiple functions: mechanical coupling of spindles, electrical power transmission, and pneumatic supply connection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate operations needed and simplifies the overall connection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Extent of automation

If automated connection device is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic connection capabilityVSAvoidconnection device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device is segmented into distinct functional modules: electrical contact elements, pneumatic connector components, and mechanical coupling parts. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and facilitates easier maintenance and replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 automatic connection of high-speed electro-spindles, reducing operational time and machining costs by eliminating the need for manual coupling.

Implementation Method 1

a first electrical contact element 14, preferably a spring contact of a known type... to power electrically the high-speed spindle 40

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a first duct 12 for the passage of pressurized air... to the chamber 15

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 3

a pressure element 18 inserted inside the first duct 12 and configured to exert a pressure on a pin 38

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS12311488B2Device for the automatic connection of a high speed spindle to a numerically controlled machine

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 SALES SRL

AI summary

A device (10) for the automatic connection of a high speed spindle (40) to a numerically controlled machine is described, comprising a first connecting element (11) and a second connecting element (31), the first connecting element connection (11) comprising a first electrical contact element (14) and a first duct (12) for the passage of pressurized air; the second connecting element (31) comprising a second electrical contact element (34) configured to establish an electrical contact with said first electrical contact element (14) and electrically power the spindle at high speed (40), and a second conduit (32) for the passage of the pressurized air coming from the first duct (12); a method is also described for automatically sealing the first and second connecting elements (11, 31) of the device (10).