Coolant Adapter for Driven Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional externally fed driven tools lack accuracy in coolant delivery to the cutting edge, leading to premature tool wear and potential heat transfer issues, while 'thru coolant' systems are expensive and prone to seal failures.
Innovation Solution
An adapter that integrates a cylindrical inner sleeve with an internal thread, a rotating outer sleeve, and coolant flow channels to deliver coolant accurately to the cutting tool, compatible with both externally fed and 'thru coolant' systems, allowing for flexible coolant conduit options and seal configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If externally fed coolant delivery is used, then device complexity is reduced, but coolant delivery accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter acts as an intermediary device between the externally fed coolant delivery and the cutting tool. It includes a stationary outer sleeve with coolant flow channels and a rotating inner sleeve that receives coolant from the outer sleeve and delivers it through the collet to the cutting tool. This intermediary structure enables accurate coolant delivery without requiring modification to the cutting tool itself, thus maintaining simplicity while improving accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If thru coolant driven tooling is used, then coolant delivery accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is segmented into distinct functional components: an outer sleeve containing coolant flow channels, an inner sleeve that rotates with the spindle, and a collet for holding the cutting tool. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the outer sleeve provides accurate coolant positioning, the inner sleeve rotates with the tool, and the collet secures the tool - thereby achieving accurate coolant delivery without requiring a completely new complex thru-coolant tool design.
3Measurement precision
If specialized thru coolant tooling is used, then coolant delivery accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed as a universal device that can be used with various cutting tools and spindle types. The inner sleeve has an internal thread to engage with the external thread of a driven tool machine output spindle, and the collet can accommodate different cutting tools. This universality allows a single adapter design to serve multiple purposes, reducing manufacturing costs compared to specialized thru-coolant tooling that would need to be custom-made for each application.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional externally fed tools are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but tool life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as an intermediary that enables accurate coolant delivery to extend cutting tool life while maintaining compatibility with conventional externally fed tooling. By positioning the coolant flow channels in the outer sleeve to deliver coolant precisely to the cutting edge through the rotating inner sleeve and collet, the system prevents premature tool wear and heat transfer issues without requiring expensive specialized tooling, thus extending tool life while keeping manufacturing costs low.
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
Enhances coolant delivery accuracy to the cutting edge, extending tool life and preventing heat transfer, while being cost-effective and adaptable for use with existing tools.
Implementation Method 1
at least one coolant flow channel through the outer sleeve and through the inner sleeve to allow flow of coolant from the delivery pipe to the collet
Implementation Method 2
a seal at one end of the inner sleeve having an aperture to receive the cutting tool whereby to allow the blunt end of the tool to engage the collet
Implementation Method 3
a cylindrical inner sleeve having an internal thread to engage with the external thread of a driven tool machine output spindle
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an adapter for driven tools such as drilling or milling tools, for adapting an externally fed driven tool for use in a thru coolant system comprising: a) a cylindrical inner sleeve, b) an outer sleeve adapted to rotate relative to the inner sleeve, c) a delivery pipe to deliver coolant to the outer sleeve, and d) at least one coolant flow channel through the outer sleeve and through the inner sleeve to allow flow of coolant from the delivery pipe to the collet, and e) a seal at one end of the inner sleeve having an aperture to receive the cutting tool whereby to allow the blunt end of the tool to engage the collet, in use coolant can pass through the outer sleeve, through the inner sleeve into the collet, and to the cutting tool whilst said inner sleeve rotates with said machine output spindle and the outer sleeve remains static.