Machine Tool Coolant Path Control for Chip Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools require manual intervention to remove accumulated chips, leading to decreased operational efficiency due to the complexity of creating a liquid ejection path based on brightness differences and workpiece shape variations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an imaging unit and display device to capture and process images of the machining area, dividing them into mesh regions, and allowing operators to instruct chip positions for efficient coolant ejection path creation without complex control processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a template image and brightness threshold are used to identify chip locations, then automated chip removal is enabled, but the control process becomes extremely complex due to workpiece shape variations and peripheral brightness differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex image processing and brightness analysis with a simple imaging unit that captures images of the machining area. Instead of using template matching and threshold algorithms, the system directly displays captured images to operators who visually identify chip locations, substituting mechanical/image processing complexity with human visual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows operators to self-identify chip positions by viewing displayed images and input coordinates directly. This eliminates the need for complex automated detection algorithms, as operators naturally perform the detection function through visual inspection and direct coordinate input.
2Productivity
If manual chip removal with air blower is used, then operational efficiency decreases due to periodic stops, but the system remains simple to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of an imaging unit, display device, and coordinate input mechanism between the operator and the chip removal process. This intermediary allows operators to efficiently identify chip locations through displayed images and plan liquid ejection paths, reducing the time and effort required for chip removal while maintaining ease of operation.
3Productivity
If liquid ejection is used for chip removal, then operational efficiency improves, but creating the ejection path becomes complex due to workpiece shape and peripheral brightness variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the chip removal process into two simple parts: (1) operators visually identify chip locations from displayed captured images and input coordinates, and (2) the system generates liquid ejection paths based on these coordinates. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex automated path creation algorithms while maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device, a machine tool, and a liquid ejection method with which a liquid ejection path for efficient chip removal can be created, without performing huge control process. The display device is for displaying an image in order to eject a liquid and move chips generated from a workpiece in a machine tool. The machine tool includes a liquid ejection unit that ejects a liquid so as to move chips generated from a workpiece, and an imaging unit that captures an image of a target area in which chips generated from a workpiece are to be detected in the machine tool. The liquid is ejected to the target area, based on a first position and a second position in the image captured by the imaging unit. The display device includes: a display unit that displays an image captured by the imaging unit; a detection unit that detects a first input signal corresponding to the first position in the image displayed on the display unit, and a second input signal corresponding to the second position in the displayed image; and a transmission unit that transmits the detected first and second input signals to a signal generation unit, the signal generation unit generating a control signal that controls to create a liquid ejection path in the target area, based on the first and second positions, for ejecting a liquid, based on the liquid ejection path.