Machine Tool Chip Detection and Fluid Discharge Path Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for chip removal in machine tools face inefficiencies due to the need for manual intervention and complex image processing, as they fail to account for variations in machine tool states and environmental conditions, leading to excessive control processing and calculation requirements.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device that utilizes imaging and grid-based analysis to automatically recognize chip accumulation, allowing for the generation of a fluid discharge path to efficiently move chips using liquid or gas, with integrated control for nozzle positioning and discharge path generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If image processing is used to detect chip locations, then chip detection capability is improved, but calculation time and processing complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip detection capabilityVSAvoidcalculation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging area is divided into multiple grid sections, and chip detection is performed independently in each grid. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different regions, reducing overall calculation time while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of processing the entire image at full resolution, the system performs partial processing by detecting luminance differences only in relevant grid sections where chips are likely to accumulate, reducing total calculation burden while maintaining effective detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Measurement precision

If template images and luminance thresholds are defined for each workpiece, then chip detection accuracy is improved, but control processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip detection accuracyVSAvoidcontrol processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically adjusts luminance threshold parameters based on the specific workpiece and machining conditions, rather than requiring manual definition for each workpiece. This parameter adaptation maintains detection accuracy while reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-calibration by automatically generating appropriate template images and luminance thresholds based on the current machining environment and workpiece characteristics, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing control processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-generated harmful factors

If manual chip removal operations are performed, then chip removal effectiveness is improved, but operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip removal effectivenessVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical chip removal operations with automated fluid discharge mechanisms controlled by image processing. This substitution maintains effective chip removal while eliminating downtime associated with manual intervention, thereby improving operational efficiency.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces fluid discharge as an intermediary mechanism between detection and chip removal. The fluid acts as a mediator that automatically transports chips from detected locations to collection areas, maintaining removal effectiveness while enabling continuous operation without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Facilitates easy and efficient chip removal by automating the generation of fluid discharge paths, reducing manual intervention and minimizing computational complexity, thereby enhancing machine tool operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

captures a template image of the inside of a machine tool in advance, compares an image thereof taken after machining

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

discharges liquid so as to move chips generated from a work

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 3

liquid discharge unit that discharges a liquid so as to move chips

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4330778B1Information processing device
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 DMG MORI CO LTD
  • EP4330778B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4330778B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4330778B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing device that generates a fluid discharge path for discharging fluid into a machine tool to move chips includes: a detecting unit for detecting a first input signal for a first position on an image of the inside of the machine tool, a second input signal for a second position on the image of the inside of the machine tool, and a third input signal on a plurality of discharges; and a display control unit for performing control to display the first position, the second position, a third position, and a fourth position superimposed on image data obtained by imaging of a target area on the basis of the signals detected by the detecting unit, the third position and the fourth position being corners different from the first position and the second position among four corners of a quadrangle having a diagonal being a line connecting the first position and the second position.