Adjustable Nozzle for Precision Grinding Coolant Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hard fine machining machines face inefficiencies due to suboptimal coolant supply conditions when using multiple tools or processes with different requirements, leading to reduced feed rates and longer machining times.
Innovation Solution
The cooling lubricant supply system includes a nozzle element with movable wall elements that adjust the jet outlet opening based on fluid pressure and volume flow, allowing for automatic optimization of coolant supply conditions for each tool and process without operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single coolant nozzle is used for multiple tools with different requirements, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to optimize coolant supply for each tool
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single coolant supply system into multiple independent nozzle units, each equipped with adjustable outlet cross-sections. This segmentation allows each nozzle to be independently optimized for its specific tool's requirements, preventing thermal damage for generating grinding tools while ensuring adequate coverage for profile grinding tools, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamically adjustable nozzle outlet cross-sections that can be modified during operation. The adjustable outlets allow the coolant supply characteristics to be changed according to the specific tool being used, enabling optimization of coolant parameters for each tool type while using a unified nozzle structure, thus resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and manufacturing precision.
2Temperature
If coolant outlet cross-section is reduced to increase outlet speed, then thermal damage is avoided, but volume flow decreases affecting coolant coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different outlet cross-section configurations to different nozzles based on their specific functions. Nozzles for generating grinding tools have smaller outlet cross-sections to achieve high outlet speeds and prevent thermal damage, while nozzles for profile grinding tools have larger outlet cross-sections to deliver sufficient volume flow for complete profile coverage. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between temperature control and coolant quantity.
3Device complexity
If fixed nozzle configuration is used, then device complexity is minimized, but adaptability to different tools and processes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable outlet cross-sections in the nozzle design, allowing the coolant supply characteristics to be dynamically modified according to the specific tool and process requirements. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different tools (generating grinding vs. profile grinding) without requiring completely different nozzle configurations, balancing adaptability with acceptable device complexity.
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 optimal coolant supply for various tools and processes, enhancing machining efficiency by allowing for automatic adjustment of outlet cross-section, speed, and volume flow, thereby reducing machining times and improving economic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
with the pivotable wall element or the translationally displaceable part of the wall element being able to be moved out of the rest position by the flowing cooling lubricant
Data Source
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AI summary
The machine has two hard finish tools arranged on a tool spindle that is movable in direction of an axis on a tool carrier. A cooling lubricant supplying unit (9) supplies a cooling lubricant to a machining region between a workpiece and one of the hard finish tools and comprises a nozzle element (10). The nozzle element comprises a nozzle chamber (11) that is limited by two facing wall elements (12, 13), where the wall elements define a stream exit opening (14) for the cooling lubricant. One of the wall elements is movably arranged for variation of the exit opening.