Multipolar Cable Fast Wiring Connector for Machine Tool Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data processing and transmission systems for machine tools are inflexible, prone to noise interference, and have installation difficulties, leading to reduced accuracy and reliability in real-time data exchange and synchronization.

Innovation Solution

A modular data processing and transmission system using a multipolar cable with a master unit and slave units, allowing for flexible configuration and reduced noise through hierarchical communication channels and synchronized clock signals, with ancillary units for specific functions and a fast wiring connector for easy assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a centralized data processing system is used, then data processing capability is improved, but device flexibility and adaptability deteriorate due to predetermined dimensions and fixed number of ports

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing capabilityVSAvoidsystem flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The centralized processing system is segmented into multiple distributed processing units (masters and slaves) that can independently process data. Each unit has its own processing capabilities, allowing the system to be reconfigured by adding or removing units without changing the overall system architecture, thus improving flexibility while maintaining processing power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static centralized architecture to a dynamic distributed architecture where processing units can be dynamically added, removed, or reconfigured. The multipolar cable allows dynamic reconnection of processing units to adapt to different application requirements, enabling the system to change its configuration based on real-time needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If a centralized processing apparatus with multiple ports is used, then data processing capability is improved, but installation difficulty increases due to high number of cables to be connected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing capabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate cable connections are merged into a single multipolar cable that provides both electrical connection and mechanical positioning. The cable integrates multiple signal paths and power lines into one unified connector, reducing the number of individual connections from many separate cables to just one multipolar cable per processing unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multipolar cable acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the connection between processing units. It provides a standardized interface with built-in alignment features and contact elements that automatically establish all necessary electrical connections when plugged in, eliminating the need for manual wiring of multiple individual cables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If processing hardware is positioned far from devices, then centralized control is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to noise interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentralized controlVSAvoidchecking accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the processing function across multiple distributed units rather than concentrating all processing in one centralized location. Slave units can be positioned close to measurement devices to capture signals with minimal noise, while master units provide coordinated control. This segmentation allows each unit to operate optimally at its location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different processing units are assigned different functional roles and positioned according to their specific functions. Slave units near measurement devices handle local signal acquisition with high precision, while master units handle higher-level coordination. The multipolar cable ensures high-quality electrical connections that maintain signal integrity even over longer distances between units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate connection cables are used, then connection flexibility is improved, but installation complexity increases due to numerous cables to be managed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate connection cables are merged into a single multipolar cable assembly. The cable contains multiple conductors for different signal paths and power lines, all integrated within one physical connector. This reduces the number of cable management tasks from managing multiple separate cables to managing one unified cable per connection point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multipolar cable is designed as a universal connector that can establish multiple electrical connections simultaneously through a single plug-and-play interface. The standardized multipolar interface can be used across different processing units and devices, providing multi-functional connectivity that replaces multiple specialized cable connections with one universal cable type.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3345468B1Measuring and/or checking system including at least two units, and method to connect such units
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 MARPOSS SPA
  • EP3345468B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1A
  • EP3345468B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3345468B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A measuring and/or control system (1), to control for example a machine tool, comprises at least a first and a second unit, each comprising electronic circuits and at least one socket. The systems further includes a multipolar cable (8) containing a plurality of wires (8A) and having a first and a second end, each provided with a multipolar connector (9) adapted to be coupled to a socket of the first unit and second unit. At least one of the multipolar connectors of the multipolar cable is a fast wiring multipolar connector (12) provided with a first body (12A) and a second body (12B), adapted to be plugged into the first body. The first body comprises a support with two opposite faces, a first group of electrical contacts fixed to one of the faces of the support and adapted to be coupled to one of the sockets of the first or second unit, and a second group of electrical contacts fixed to the other face of the support. The second body comprises a frame with a plurality of seats (12S), a plurality of perforating electrical contacts (12P) that are adapted to be coupled to the second group of contacts of the first group, are housed in the seats, and are configured to perforate an insulating sheath which covers the wires (8A) and to fasten and electrically connect the wires and the perforating electrical contacts to each other, and a plurality of movable elements (12D) coupled to the frame and adapted to cooperate, in the seats, with the wires housed in the multipolar cable (8) in order to fasten and electrically connect the wires (8A) and the perforating electrical contacts (12P) to each other.