CNC Tapping Fluid Accessory with Centrifugal Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CNC machines lack an efficient mechanism to automatically regulate the volume and rate of cutting fluid delivery to the tool or workpiece, which depends on the rotation speed, size, and material of the cut, leading to suboptimal machining processes.
Innovation Solution
A tool accessory with a centrifugal force-reactive pump, biased pistons, and adjustable discharge nozzles that attach to the CNC machine's spindle, allowing for controlled cutting fluid discharge based on rotational speed, viscosity, and nozzle size, enabling precise fluid application during machining operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a traditional cutting fluid delivery system is used on a CNC machine, then the machine can perform basic machining operations, but the volume and rate of cutting fluid delivery cannot be automatically regulated according to rotation speed and cut requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mechanism is integrated directly into the tool holder assembly, merging the fluid delivery function with the tool mounting structure. This consolidation enables automatic cutting fluid regulation without adding separate complex external systems to the CNC machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The centrifugal pump uses the rotational motion of the tool itself to generate pumping action through centrifugal force. The system self-regulates cutting fluid delivery based on the tool's rotation speed, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms or additional energy input.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cutting fluid is applied to the tool or workpiece during machining, then cooling and lubrication are provided, but the amount and rate of fluid application cannot be adjusted according to specific machining requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting fluid delivery system dynamically adjusts the flow rate based on the real-time rotation speed of the tool. As the tool spins faster, centrifugal force increases and automatically pumps more fluid; when rotation slows, fluid delivery decreases proportionally, providing adaptive control without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the delivery parameter (fluid flow rate) in direct response to changes in rotation speed parameter. This automatic parameter coupling ensures optimal cutting fluid application varies with machining conditions without requiring separate control systems.
3Measurement precision
If the tool rotation speed is reduced to desired tapping speed, then precise tapping control is achieved, but centrifugal force decreases and prevents adequate cutting fluid discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The system accumulates cutting fluid in the pump chamber during high-speed rotation when centrifugal force is sufficient, then releases this pre-stored fluid during the low-speed tapping phase. This preliminary accumulation ensures fluid delivery continues effectively even when rotation speed drops for precision tapping.
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
Enables automatic and precise control of cutting fluid delivery, optimizing machining processes by adjusting fluid volume and rate according to the specific requirements of the operation, improving machining efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The pump which is located below the reservoir includes a plurality of biased pistons and springs that are forced outward and store centripetal force when the tool is rotated above normal tapping speeds
Implementation Method 2
When the CNC program reduces the rotational speed of the spindle, the two piston springs overcome the centrifugal forces and force the tapping fluid stored in the piston cavity through check-valve controlled passages
Data Source
AI summary
A tool accessory used to apply different volumes of a cutting fluid to the tap under CNC control by causing the machine to undergo different pump cycles in which the rotational speed of the tool is increased above the tapping rotated and then quickly returned to the tapping rotation. The tool includes a tapping head, a reservoir filled with cutting fluid, a centrifugal force-reactive pump and at least two discharge nozzles. The pump includes a plurality of biased piston springs that are forced outward and store centripetal force when the tool is rotated at speeds above normal tapping speed. When the rotational speed of the tool is reduced, the piston springs overcome the centrifugal forces and force cutting fluid through the discharge nozzles. The volume of cutting fluid discharged is controlled by adjusting the viscosity of the cutting fluid, the tool's maximum speed, by using different size discharge nozzles, and by using different pump cycles.