Coolant Recirculation Filtration Using Vibration to Prevent Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional material removal systems face inefficiencies in coolant recapture and recirculation due to clogging of filters, which requires frequent cleaning and replacement, and obstruction issues within the recirculation system.
Innovation Solution
A recirculation system with a recapture reservoir and filtering surface that includes a vibration device to dislodge and compact particulates, preventing clogging and allowing for efficient coolant recirculation, featuring a porous sidewall and removable cover for easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filtration systems are used in coolant recirculation, then coolant filtering is achieved, but filter clogging occurs frequently requiring cleaning and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibration motor that vibrates the recirculation tank and filtering surface. This vibration prevents particulates from adhering to the filtering surface and dislodges any particles that do accumulate, thereby preventing filter clogging and reducing maintenance frequency while maintaining reliable filtration performance
2Productivity
If recirculation system operates continuously, then coolant recirculation efficiency is improved, but particulate accumulation causes obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration motor continuously vibrates the recirculation tank during operation, preventing particulate accumulation and obstruction in the filtering surface. This allows the recirculation system to operate continuously at high efficiency without flow capability degradation from particle buildup
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-cleaning through vibration-induced particle dislodgement and compaction to the tank bottom, eliminating the need for external intervention during normal operation and maintaining reliable flow capability throughout continuous operation
3Reliability
If filtering surface area is increased to improve filtration, then coolant cleaning effectiveness is improved, but filter clogging risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration motor vibrates the entire recirculation tank and filtering surface, preventing particulates from adhering to any area of the filtering surface regardless of size. This allows the use of larger filtering surfaces for improved coolant cleaning effectiveness without proportionally increasing clogging risk or requiring complex multi-section filter structures
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
The system effectively reduces the frequency of filter cleaning and replacement, maintains coolant flow, and facilitates easy removal of particulates, enhancing the overall efficiency and longevity of the recirculation process.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration device configured to vibrate at least a portion of the recirculation system, so as to reduce obstruction of the recirculation system
Implementation Method 2
vibrate at least a portion of the recirculation system, so as to reduce obstruction of the recirculation system or increase compaction of within the recirculation system
Implementation Method 3
a filtering surface configured to filter fluid within the recirculation system
Implementation Method 4
featuring a porous sidewall
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, and/or methods for filtering, recapture, and/or recirculation of coolant are disclosed. In some examples, coolant (e.g., coolant fluid) is used to cool and/or clean a machine, such as a material removal machine, for example. In some examples, a recirculation tank may be in fluid communication with an inlet and/or outlet of a cabinet (and/or housing) of the machine. The recirculation tank may include a recapture reservoir having a filtering surface configured to prevent particulates, debris, and/or swarf from being recirculated with the coolant. A vibration device (e.g., a vibration motor and/or vibrating actuator), may be in contact with and/or configured to vibrate (and/or shake, rattle, oscillate, etc.) the filtering surface, recapture reservoir, and/or recirculation tank so as to keep the filter free from obstruction and/or help settle and/or compact filtered particulates in a bottom of the recapture reservoir and/or recirculation tank.