Machine Spindle Contact Point Using Centrifugal Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools face challenges in reliably transmitting electric energy and data at high rotational speeds due to high pressing forces required for electric line contacts, which are difficult to maintain and repair, and conventional contact interfaces that compromise mechanical stability and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
The machine tool employs inclined contact elements on the machine spindle and coupling element, utilizing centrifugal force to press contact points together, allowing for larger volume contacts without compromising stability, and includes a contactless data transmission option using induction, capacitive coupling, or electromagnetic waves to ensure reliable operation and maintenance accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electric line contacts are used on the machine spindle, then electric energy can be transmitted to the inserted tool, but high pressing forces are required which make the contact points difficult to maintain and repair
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical pressing contact system with a centrifugal force-based contact system. The contact elements are arranged radially outward from the spindle axis, allowing centrifugal force generated during rotation to automatically press the contacts together without requiring additional mechanical pressing mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for complex spring-loaded or hydraulically-actuated pressing systems, thereby improving maintainability while ensuring reliable electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of pressing contact elements together along the spindle axis (conventional approach), the patent inverts the pressing direction by arranging contacts radially outward from the spindle axis. This inversion allows the rotation of the spindle itself to generate the necessary pressing force through centrifugal action, converting the rotational motion into a useful pressing force that maintains reliable contact while simplifying the overall system structure.
2Reliability
If larger volume contact elements are used to improve electrical contact, then electric energy transmission is enhanced, but the mechanical stability of the planar face is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the contact elements from a planar arrangement (parallel to the spindle axis) to a radial arrangement (perpendicular to the spindle axis, extending outward from the center). This dimensional change allows the contact elements to be positioned in a different spatial orientation where they can achieve larger volume and better electrical contact without compromising the structural integrity of the planar face, as the radial positioning distributes mechanical loads more effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial arrangement of contact elements creates a counterbalancing effect where the centrifugal force generated during rotation acts to press the contacts together rather than pulling them apart. This counterweight effect compensates for the additional mass of larger volume contact elements, allowing them to be used without adversely affecting the mechanical stability of the planar face, as the rotational force actively maintains contact pressure.
3Reliability
If contact elements are arranged radially outward from the spindle axis, then centrifugal force assists in pressing contacts together, but the distance from the spindle axis increases requiring precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The radial arrangement of contact elements allows the rotating spindle itself to generate the necessary centrifugal force that automatically presses the contacts together during operation. The system serves itself by converting its own rotational motion into the pressing force required for reliable electrical contact, eliminating the need for separate actuating mechanisms and reducing alignment complexity despite the radial positioning.
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 enables reliable transmission of electric energy and data to powerful consumers at high speeds while maintaining mechanical stability and ease of maintenance, with the inclined contact design reducing mechanical stress and the contactless data transmission preventing wear and improving accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
the spindle-side contact element and the tool-side contact element can be moved relative to one another, under the action of a centrifugal force component which occurs during the rotation of the machine spindle about the spindle axis, and can be pressed against one another with the production of contact
Implementation Method 2
The machine tool employs inclined contact elements on the machine spindle and coupling element, utilizing centrifugal force to press contact points together, allowing for larger volume contacts without compromising stability, and includes a contactless data transmission option using induction, capacitive coupling, or electromagnetic waves
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool having a motor-driven machine spindle which can be rotated about a spindle axis. The machine spindle has a tool holder arranged at the face. A tool is exchangeably arranged on the machine spindle. The tool has a coupling element which is compatible with the tool holder of the machine spindle. The coupling element has a rear surface pointing toward the machine spindle. The machine tool has at least one galvanic contact point for the electric current or data transmission, the point being arranged between the machine spindle and the tool and rotating together with the machine spindle. The galvanic contact point has a contact element which is arranged at the face of the tool holder on the spindle side, and a contact element which is arranged on the rear surface of the coupling element on the tool side.