Wireless Handpiece Signal Control for Machine Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools with drive motor units and handpieces rely on wired signal transmission, which complicates the structure, hinders easy replacement of components, and introduces additional resistance during operation.

Innovation Solution

Implementing radio means for a wireless signal connection between the handpiece and the drive motor unit, allowing manual actuation to control the drive motor without the need for wired connections, and using energy converters and storage to ensure reliable signal function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired signal transmission is used between handpiece and drive motor unit, then signal connection is reliable, but device complexity increases due to cable connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal connection reliabilityVSAvoidcable connection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. The handpiece contains a transmitter that wirelessly transmits control signals to the drive motor unit, eliminating the need for physical cable connections while maintaining reliable signal transmission.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the signal transmission function from the mechanical cable connection. By separating the signal transmission function into an independent wireless communication system, the cable connection is removed entirely, simplifying the overall device structure while preserving the essential control function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If wired signal transmission is used, then control function is ensured, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional resistance from cable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol function implementationVSAvoidhandpiece handling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection that creates resistance during operation with a wireless transmission system. This eliminates the physical drag and resistance that cables impose on handpiece movement, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining full control functionality.

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

3Reliability

If cable connections are used for signal transmission, then electrical coupling is secure, but ease of repair worsens due to complex connection points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical coupling securityVSAvoidhandpiece and flexible shaft replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the cable connection system entirely, replacing it with wireless communication. This eliminates the complex connection points between cables, handpieces, and drive motor units, making repair and component replacement significantly easier while maintaining secure electrical coupling through wireless means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the system into independent wireless communication modules in the handpiece and drive motor unit. This modular approach allows individual components to be replaced or repaired without affecting connection integrity, as each unit operates independently through wireless communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If wired connections are used between handpiece and drive motor unit, then signal transmission is stable, but device complexity increases due to connection components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission stabilityVSAvoidconnection components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the entire mechanical connection system with wireless transmission technology. The handpiece contains a transmitter that sends control signals wirelessly to the drive motor unit, completely eliminating cables, connectors, and associated connection components while maintaining stable signal transmission.

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

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 simplifies the structure by eliminating cable connections, enhances safety by ensuring mechanical actuation is linked to electrical unlocking, and reduces operational resistance, making the machine tool easier to handle and maintain.

Implementation Method 1

The energy converter has a generator of electrical energy which is non-rotatably connected to the tool holder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The energy store has a capacitor and/or an accumulator in the form of a rechargeable battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

The energy store has a capacitor and/or an accumulator in the form of a rechargeable battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy storage in battery: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 4

radio means set up to set up a wireless signal connection between the handpiece and the drive motor unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2803452B8Machine tool, handpiece and drive motor unit with wireless signal connection
Publication Date: 2016.07.13 SCHMID & WEZEL GMBH & CO

AI summary

A machine tool (10) is presented, comprising a drive motor unit (14) having a drive motor (12), a flexible shaft (16) and a handpiece (18), wherein the handpiece (18) has a tool holder (18.1) which is movably mounted in the handpiece (18) and which can be driven by the drive motor (12) via the flexible shaft (16), and wherein the handpiece (18) has an operator request transmitter (20) designed for manual operation by an operator and the drive motor unit (14) is designed to control the drive motor (12) depending on the actuation of the operator request transmitter (20).The machine tool (10) is characterized by having radio means for establishing a wireless signal connection between the handpiece (18) and the drive motor unit (14), which are configured to respond to a manual actuation of the operator request transmitter (20), wherein the drive motor unit (14) is configured to control the drive motor (12) depending on the response of the radio means.