Coolant Chip Separator Apparatus for Cutting Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current metal plate cutting machines lack an efficient method to separate and reuse coolant from machining operations, as they typically require manual removal of coolant and chips, and existing solutions are costly and space-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A coolant and chip separator apparatus that uses a fluid chamber with an airflow system to slow down airborne mixtures of coolant and chips, allowing separation and collection of chips while allowing air to exit, enabling coolant reuse and automatic waste disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate devices are used to perform different separation processes, then separation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separation functions (chip separation, coolant separation, filtration) into a single integrated separator apparatus. The fluid chamber houses both the chip collector and coolant outlet system, while filters are incorporated within the same structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The separator apparatus performs multiple functions simultaneously: it separates chips from the airborne mixture, separates coolant from chips, and filters particles from the air. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate systems
2Reliability
If multiple separate devices are used to perform different separation processes, then separation effectiveness is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separation functions (chip separation, coolant separation, filtration) into a single integrated separator apparatus. The fluid chamber houses both the chip collector and coolant outlet system, while filters are incorporated within the same structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The chip collector is positioned within the fluid chamber, and the coolant outlet is integrated into the chamber structure. The filters are housed within the same apparatus, creating a nested arrangement where multiple functional components occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces efficiently
3Device complexity
If manual removal of chips and coolant is used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The separator apparatus automatically separates chips and coolant from the airborne mixture through the airflow system and fluid chamber design. The chip collector automatically captures chips, the coolant outlet automatically drains coolant, and filters automatically trap particles, eliminating the need for manual intervention while enabling continuous coolant reuse
4Device complexity
If coolant is not reused, then system complexity is reduced, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separator apparatus recovers coolant from the airborne mixture by allowing it to drain through the coolant outlet after chips have been separated. This recovered coolant can be reused in machining operations, reducing coolant consumption and waste while maintaining system simplicity through a single integrated device
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 efficient separation and reuse of coolant, automatic waste disposal, and reduces coolant usage and maintenance costs, applicable to both wet and dry cutting machines.
Implementation Method 1
an airborne mixture of chips and coolant driven by an airflow enters via an entry port
Implementation Method 2
sufficiently slow the speed of the airborne mixture once inside said chamber so that the chips and coolant separate out from the airflow
Implementation Method 3
the separator includes a diffuser located proximately upstream of said entry port, adapted to slow the flow of the airborne mixture before it enters the fluid chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A separator apparatus for a cutting machine which separates chips from coolant, wherein the separator includes a fluid chamber into which an airborne mixture of chips and coolant driven by an airflow enters via an entry port, said separator apparatus being adapted to: sufficiently slow the speed of the airborne mixture once inside said chamber so that the chips and coolant separate out from the airflow; retain the chips and coolant released from the airborne mixture in the fluid chamber; and allow air from the airborne mixture to exit the fluid chamber via an air outlet; wherein said fluid chamber includes a chip collector which captures the chips and enables the chips to be separated and removed from said coolant in the chamber; and wherein said fluid chamber includes a coolant outlet through which coolant, from which the chips have been removed, is able to exit.