Chuck Dust-Proof Mechanism Using Pressurized Air Gap Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chucks face issues with foreign matter, such as chips and cutting oil, entering the chuck main body due to gaps or coolant pressure, which can hinder the chuck's operation.

Innovation Solution

A chuck with a dust-proof mechanism that includes an air supply source, inner space, and discharge clearance, using pressurized air to prevent foreign matter entry by sealing gaps and discharging air through specific clearances and sealing members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a spring member is used to bias the dust-proof plate outward to close gaps, then the gap sealing is improved, but the reliability deteriorates when the spring member fails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegap sealing reliabilityVSAvoiddust-proof mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical spring member system with a pneumatic system. A pneumatic device supplies pressurized air to the inner space, which then acts on the dust-proof plate to push it outward and seal the gap. This substitution eliminates the spring member while achieving the same gap-sealing function, thereby improving reliability without requiring mechanical components that can fail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pneumatic pressure to drive the dust-proof mechanism. Pressurized air is supplied through a pneumatic device to create an inner space under pressure, which automatically pushes the dust-proof plate against the gap to maintain sealing. This pneumatic approach provides reliable, active control of the sealing action without mechanical wear or failure points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Object-generated harmful factors

If high-pressure coolant is jetted outward to blow away dust, then the dust removal is improved, but the harmful effect worsens as coolant pushes dust into gaps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust accumulation on jawVSAvoiddust entry into chuck gaps
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of jetting coolant outward from the front (which pushes dust into gaps), the patent inverts the approach by supplying pressurized air to the inner space and discharging it through the discharge clearance. This reversed flow direction creates a protective air curtain that prevents dust from entering gaps in the first place, rather than attempting to blow dust away after it has accumulated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces pressurized air as an intermediary substance between the coolant and the dust/chuck interface. The air supplied to the inner space acts as a mediator that prevents dust and coolant from entering critical gaps, while allowing the coolant to perform its cooling function without the harmful side effect of forcing dust into the mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the air supply path is simplified, then the device complexity is reduced, but the dust-proof effectiveness may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair supply path complexityVSAvoiddust-proof mechanism effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the inner space to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a pressure chamber for the dust-proof mechanism, a flow path for pressurized air, and a protective barrier against dust entry. The discharge clearance serves both as an air discharge path and as a seal interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components while maintaining dust-proof effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Effectively prevents foreign matter from entering the chuck, maintaining operational integrity by sealing gaps and simplifying the air supply path, reducing vibration, and ensuring smooth movement of internal components.

Implementation Method 1

supply air supplied from the air supply source is pressurized in an inner space A of the chuck

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPositive pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

pressurized air in the inner space A passes a discharge clearance 32 to be discharged to the outside of the chuck main body 2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3950191B1Chuck having a dust-proof mechanism
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 HOWA MACHINERY LTD
  • EP3950191B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3950191B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3950191B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A dust-proof mechanism for chuck includes a fluid supply source, an inner space provided inside a chuck, and a discharge space provided in the chuck. A supply fluid is supplied to the inner space from the fluid supply source, and passes through the inner space as a pressurized fluid. Through the discharge space, the pressurized fluid is discharged to the outside of the chuck from the inner space.