Automatic Spindle Connection With Integrated Power and Air Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Numerically controlled machines require manual connection of high-speed electro-spindles to tool-holder spindles, leading to time wastage and increased machining costs due to the need for manual coupling of electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic connectors.
Innovation Solution
A device with first and second connecting elements, featuring electrical contact elements and air ducts, automatically connects a high-speed spindle to a numerically controlled machine, eliminating the need for operator intervention by sealing and powering the spindle through spring contacts and pneumatic systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual connection of high-speed electro-spindle to tool-holder spindle is used, then connection reliability is ensured through operator intervention, but machining time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements are designed to automatically perform the connection function without operator intervention. The first connecting element on the tool-holder spindle and the second connecting element on the electro-spindle automatically establish electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical connections when the electro-spindle is mounted, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminate manual coupling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements are pre-configured with contact elements, ducts, and sealing components in specific positions before the connection operation. The electrical contacts, pneumatic ducts, and sealing surfaces are arranged in advance to ensure proper alignment and automatic engagement when the electro-spindle is mounted to the tool-holder spindle.
2Reliability
If manual coupling of electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic connectors is performed, then connection completeness is ensured through operator control, but connection time increases and automation level decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts, pneumatic ducts, and mechanical connection features are merged into integrated connecting elements. The first connecting element combines multiple electrical contact elements and pneumatic ducts in a single component on the tool-holder spindle, while the second connecting element combines corresponding features on the electro-spindle, enabling simultaneous establishment of all connections through a single mounting operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements are designed as universal components that simultaneously handle electrical power transmission, pneumatic supply, and mechanical coupling functions. Each connecting element performs multiple functions at once, eliminating the need for separate manual connection operations for each utility system.
3Reliability
If multiple separate connectors are used for electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic connections, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate connectors for electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic connections are merged into integrated connecting elements. The first connecting element consolidates multiple electrical contact elements and pneumatic ducts into a single component structure on the tool-holder spindle, reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining all necessary connection functions.
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 machining time and costs by automating the coupling process, thereby improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The first connecting element 11 comprises at least one first electrical contact element 14, preferably a spring contact of a known type
Implementation Method 2
at least one first electrical contact element 14, preferably a spring contact of a known type, for example a plurality of spring contacts made of nickel, silver, stainless steel, copper-beryllium, gold plated, to power electrically the high-speed spindle 40
Implementation Method 3
a first duct 12 for the passage of pressurized air, for example through a chamber 15 and an inlet pipe 16 to the chamber 15, connected to a pressurized air supply network
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
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).