Adjustable Nozzle Controller for Machine Tool Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nozzle controllers for machine tools fail to continuously cool the tool during machining, especially when the tool tip enters the workpiece, as the coolant is blocked and does not reach the tool effectively.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle controller system that includes a nozzle with adjustable angle and position, a drive unit, a contact acquisition unit, and a control unit that calculates and adjusts the nozzle's angle and position to ensure the coolant hits the side surface of the tool, even when the tool tip is inside the workpiece, using data from spindle load or three-dimensional machining simulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the nozzle is fixed to emit coolant toward the tool tip, then the tool tip can be cooled effectively when exposed, but the coolant is blocked by the workpiece when the tool tip enters the workpiece interior
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is made movable with adjustable angle and position through a nozzle drive unit. The control unit dynamically adjusts the nozzle's angle and/or position based on real-time detection of tool-workpiece contact status, enabling the nozzle to adapt its orientation to continuously cool the tool tip whether the tool is exposed or inserted into the workpiece.
Solution Approach 2:
A contact acquisition unit detects whether the tool tip is in contact with or has entered the workpiece. This detection information is fed back to the control unit, which then adjusts the nozzle's angle and/or position accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the nozzle maintains optimal orientation for cooling under varying machining conditions.
2Reliability
If the nozzle angle and position are adjusted to follow tool movement, then continuous cooling can be maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves as an intermediary that processes contact detection information and generates appropriate control signals for the nozzle drive unit. This intermediary component coordinates the interaction between the contact acquisition unit and the nozzle drive unit, enabling automatic nozzle adjustment without requiring complex direct coupling between sensors and actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle control system operates autonomously by automatically detecting tool-workpiece contact status and adjusting the nozzle's angle and position without manual intervention. The system self-regulates the cooling delivery based on real-time machining conditions, reducing the need for external control input while maintaining continuous cooling effectiveness.
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 allows for constant tool cooling, reducing coolant waste and enhancing tool life and machining surface quality by ensuring the coolant reaches the tool side surface during machining operations.
Implementation Method 1
a device which emits a fluid such as a coolant to the tip of the tool
Implementation Method 2
the coolant is supplied to the tool from a nozzle which is attached at a periphery of the tool
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to provide a nozzle controller which can constantly cool a tool in a machine tool. A nozzle controller of a machine tool includes: a tool which is gripped in a spindle of the machine tool; a nozzle in which the angle and/or the position thereof with respect to the tool can be changed and which emits a fluid to the tool; a nozzle drive unit which drives the angle and/or the position of the nozzle; a contact acquisition unit which acquires contact between the tool and a work; and a control unit which controls the nozzle drive unit. The control unit calculates, when the contact acquisition unit acquires the contact, based on a length of the tool and a stroke of a feed axis in the direction of the spindle, the angle and/or the position of the nozzle such that the fluid emitted from the nozzle hits a side surface of the tool, and controls the nozzle drive unit based on the result of the calculation.