Quick-Clamping Spindle Pre-Locking With Spring-Loaded Lug

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quick-tightening spindle assemblies do not effectively allow for pre-locking or pre-blocking of parts in position before complete tightening, especially in certain configurations, and are not cost-competitive.

Innovation Solution

A quick-clamping spindle with a device for pre-rotating the control rod, featuring a male element with a radial housing and spring-loaded lug, and a female element with angularly offset grooves on the control head, enabling pre-locking by engaging the lug into the grooves to maintain the spindle in a pre-blocking position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional quick-release spindle assembly is used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but pre-locking or pre-blocking of parts in position before complete tightening is not effectively achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepre-locking capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The male element with the radial housing and lug is nested within the spindle body, while the female element with grooves is integrated into the control head. The lug fits into the grooves to enable pre-locking, creating a nested configuration that adds functionality without significantly increasing external dimensions or complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The pre-locking device enables preliminary action by allowing the control rod to be pre-rotated and locked at specific angular positions before complete tightening. The spring-loaded lug engages with the grooves to maintain the pre-blocking position, enabling workpieces to be secured in position during assembly operations before final tightening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a pre-locking device is added to enable pre-blocking of parts, then pre-locking capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepre-locking capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-locking device is segmented into two independent elements: a male element with radial housing and spring-loaded lug, and a female element with grooves on the control head. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard machining operations, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to integrating a complex pre-locking mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded lug automatically engages with the grooves when the control rod is rotated to the pre-locking position, and maintains the locked position without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms. The spring provides automatic engagement and retention, eliminating the need for external locking actuators and reducing manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 pre-locking of the spindle, allowing for secure holding of workpieces in position with reduced operational complexity and cost, while maintaining the ability to fully tighten the assembly.

Implementation Method 1

A spring is located in the radial housing and has one end resting in the bottom of this housing and another end pressing on the lug

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3589445B1Quick-clamping spindle
Publication Date: 2021.03.24 NORELEM
  • EP3589445B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP3589445B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3589445B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

This quick-clamping spindle comprises two parts, a spindle body (1) provided with a clamping member (2) at one end of same, and a control rod for controlling the application/withdrawal of said clamping member (2), contained in said spindle body (1), and a member for manoeuvring and controlling the clamping member positioned at the other end of said spindle body (1), said simultaneous control member comprising a helical ramp (4) provided in the wall of said spindle body (1) cooperating with a transverse axis carried by said control rod. Such a spindle further comprises a device for rotationally locking said control rod in said spindle body (1). The invention is applicable in the machining field.