CNC Chip Evacuator Tool for Automated Long Chip Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machining processes require manual intervention to remove and dispose of long, interlocked chips, which is inefficient and hazardous, disrupting machine uptime and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
An automated chip evacuator tool controlled by a CNC machine, equipped with a circular body and hook members, that rotates to catch and remove chips from machined parts, eliminating the need for manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual chip removal is used, then the machinist can remove chips by hand, but machine uptime is reduced and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chip evacuator tool is designed to automatically remove chips from the workpiece without requiring manual intervention. The tool attaches to the CNC machine tool and autonomously performs chip removal operations, allowing the system to service itself during machining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The chip evacuator tool acts as an intermediary device between the CNC machine tool and the chips. It features a circular body with hook members that mechanically engage with and extract chips from the workpiece area, serving as a mediator that transfers chips from the machining zone to a collection point.
2Productivity
If manual chip removal is used, then chips can be removed from the part, but safety hazards increase due to sharp chips
Solution Approach 1:
The automated chip evacuator tool eliminates the need for machinists to manually handle sharp chips. The tool autonomously performs the chip removal function, protecting operators from exposure to hazardous sharp chip edges while maintaining efficient chip removal capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The chip evacuator tool serves as a protective intermediary that handles the hazardous chips instead of human operators. The tool's mechanical structure with hook members safely engages and removes chips without requiring direct human contact with sharp chip edges.
3Productivity
If automated chip evacuator tool is used, then machine uptime increases and safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chip evacuator tool is designed as a modular attachment that can be independently mounted to the CNC machine tool. The tool consists of discrete components including a circular body and separate hook members, allowing for simplified installation and maintenance without complicating the overall machine system.
Solution Approach 2:
The chip evacuator tool is designed to be compatible with various CNC machine tools, providing a universal solution for chip removal across different machining operations. The tool's circular body with hook members can effectively handle different chip types and sizes, making it a multi-functional device that reduces the need for specialized removal tools.
Data Source
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Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A chip evacuator tool (10) includes at least one hook member (26, 28) configured to grab and remove chips from a machined part (14). The chip evacuator tool (10) is attached to and rotates with a spindle (18) of a machine tool (12), which is controlled using a computer (16) of a CNC machine. In operation the location of the chip evacuator tool (10) remains stationary while both the chip evacuator tool (10) and the machined part (14) rotate in the same direction, resulting in efficient removal of chips from the machined part (14).