Adjustable Coolant Nozzle on Grinding Machine Wheel Guard

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Solution Overview

Problem

Grinding machines face inefficiencies due to the inability to automatically adjust coolant nozzles to changing grinding tool diameters, leading to suboptimal coolant jet direction and increased downtime for tool changes.

Innovation Solution

The integration of adjustable coolant nozzles on the wheel guard, driven by a spindle housing mechanism, allows for automatic adjustment of coolant jet direction in response to changes in grinding tool diameter, enabling flexible operation without needing to change the wheel guard.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the coolant nozzle is firmly integrated into the wheel guard, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the coolant jet direction cannot be adjusted when grinding tool diameter changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of coolant jet directionVSAvoidcomplexity of coolant nozzle mounting
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coolant nozzle is mounted on the wheel guard in a manner that allows it to be moved or adjusted dynamically. The mounting structure includes adjustment mechanisms (such as threaded adjustments, sliders, or pivot points) that enable the coolant nozzle position to be changed according to the grinding tool diameter, transforming a static fixed mounting into a dynamic adjustable one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The position parameters of the coolant nozzle (such as distance from the grinding tool, angle of jet direction) can be changed to adapt to different grinding tool diameters. By adjusting these parameters, the coolant jet can always be directed optimally onto the grinding tool surface regardless of diameter variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the grinding tool diameter changes due to wear or replacement, then productivity is maintained through continuous operation, but the coolant jet misses the grinding tool circumference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidcoolant jet accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the coolant nozzle position is adjusted based on the actual grinding tool diameter. This can be through manual measurement feedback or automated sensing systems that detect tool wear and trigger相应的 nozzle repositioning to maintain optimal coolant application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The coolant nozzle position can be preliminarily adjusted or pre-configured for different tool diameters. Before tool replacement or during scheduled maintenance, the nozzle position is prepared in advance to match the new tool dimensions, ensuring immediate effectiveness upon tool change without disrupting production flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If manual adjustment of coolant nozzle is required, then device complexity is reduced, but time is lost during wheel guard installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of adjustment mechanismVSAvoidadjustment time during tool change
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure provides dynamic adjustability with simple mechanisms that enable quick position changes. Features such as quick-release mounts, threaded adjustments with large pitch, or spring-loaded positioning systems allow operators to rapidly reposition the coolant nozzle without complex procedures or specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2404704B1Grinding machine with coolant nozzle adjustable mounted on protection hood
Publication Date: 2016.09.07 ADELBERT HAAS GMBH
  • EP2404704B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2404704B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2404704B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The machine has grinding tools (14) selectively stretched to a grinding spindle (12) and accommodated in a storage chamber. A disk protector (16) is selectively stretched to the spindle housing, and a coolant nozzle (20) is adjustably mounted in the disk protector with respect to the grinding tool. A controllable drive (36) i.e. servo-pneumatic drive, for adjusting the coolant nozzle is arranged in the spindle housing and coupled with the coolant nozzle at the disk protector. The controllable drive is decoupled with the coolant nozzle for replacing the disk protector. The controllable drive is selected from a servo-pneumatic drive, a servo-hydraulic drive or electric motor drive.