Power Chuck Interrogation System Low Energy Radio Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power chucks with interrogation systems for monitoring pressure in rotating chucks require significant electrical energy for sensor operation and signal transmission, limiting their operating time and maintenance intervals due to high energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A power chuck with a radio transmission unit that uses a switch without supply energy, converting switching signals into digital radio signals for efficient transmission, reducing energy consumption by using only the necessary electrical energy for evaluation and transmission, and incorporating a coil spring-like antenna for reliable low-power signal transmission within a plastic encapsulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If pressure sensors with rotating accumulators are used to monitor pressure in a rotating power chuck, then pressure measurement is enabled, but electrical energy consumption is high and operating time is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure measurementVSAvoidelectrical energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the energy-intensive functions (analog signal processing and radio transmission) from the rotating power chuck and relocates them to a stationary receiver. Only simple switching signals are transmitted from the rotating chuck, dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining pressure monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex electronic pressure sensors with a mechanical pressure switch that operates without electrical power. The pressure switch mechanically detects pressure changes and generates switching signals, eliminating the need for powered sensing elements in the rotating component.

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

2Loss of information

If analog switching signals are transmitted by radio from the rotating machine component, then signal transmission is achieved, but energy consumption is high and transmission time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidradio transmission energy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the signal parameter from continuous analog values to discrete digital switching states. This transformation reduces the information content to essential binary states, enabling ultra-short transmission pulses that consume minimal energy while preserving the critical pressure monitoring information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the antenna is enclosed within the chuck body for protection, then protection against external influences is improved, but radio signal transmission reliability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against machining emulsions and chipsVSAvoidradio signal transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a coil spring-like antenna structure that provides both mechanical flexibility and electromagnetic functionality. The spring design allows the antenna to maintain signal transmission capability while being protected within the chuck body, as the flexible structure can accommodate environmental conditions without compromising performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

This solution extends the maintenance intervals of the power chuck by reducing energy consumption, allowing for reliable and efficient transmission of low-power radio signals, with digital signal transmission occurring in less than one millisecond, and providing protection against external influences.

Implementation Method 1

a coil spring-like antenna for reliable low-power signal transmission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a switch that operates without supply energy and which itself does not consume any electrical energy. The switch is actuated when the movable machine component is in a certain state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic switch detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2308640B1Inquiry system for a mobile machine component
Publication Date: 2012.05.09 SCHUNK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2308640B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2308640B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2308640B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The polling system is for a moved machine component (10, 16, 24) and comprises a polling sub-unit with a switch operable without power in a certain sate, a radio transmitter to evaluate switching modes and transmit signals in digital form, an electrical power source and a radio receiver unit stationary relative to the sub-unit to handle signals from the radio transmitter unit.