Machine Tool Coolant Pump Control via Door State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools face challenges in efficiently and safely discharging or stopping coolant to remove chips, leading to incomplete chip removal, unnecessary power consumption, and coolant splattering when the door is opened.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool with a coolant apparatus that includes a coolant tank, pump, controller, and drive/stop condition setting unit, which allows for controlled coolant discharge and stoppage based on predefined conditions, including door state detection to prevent coolant splashing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the coolant is discharged continuously to remove chips, then chip removal is improved, but power consumption increases and coolant may splatter when door is opened
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant pump operates periodically rather than continuously - it discharges coolant during machining operations and stops when machining is complete or when the door is opened. This periodic operation pattern maintains effective chip removal during processing while eliminating unnecessary power consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses door opening/closing detection as feedback to control coolant pump operation. When the door opening detection unit detects that the door is opened, it signals the coolant pump controller to stop the pump, preventing coolant splatter and reducing power consumption while maintaining safety.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the coolant is stopped when machining is finished, then power consumption is reduced, but chips may not be completely removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary chip removal by discharging coolant during the machining process itself, so that when machining completes, most chips have already been removed. This preliminary action during machining reduces the need for extended coolant discharge after machining ends.
Solution Approach 2:
The machining state detection provides feedback to the coolant pump controller, ensuring coolant discharge continues throughout the machining process to maintain complete chip removal, then stops automatically when machining is detected as complete.
3Productivity
If the coolant is discharged along the wall surface from the inner wall, then chips adhering to sidewall and bottom can be effectively discharged, but control of discharge and stoppage becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant pump serves multiple functions - it discharges coolant during machining to remove chips from various locations including sidewalls and bottoms, and it also responds to door opening signals to stop discharge and prevent splatter. The single pump system performs both chip removal and safety control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant pump controller acts as an intermediary between the machining state detection unit, door opening detection unit, and the coolant pump. It processes signals from both detection units and controls pump operation accordingly, simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining effective chip removal.
4Productivity
If the coolant pump is controlled based on M code commands, then chip removal can be managed, but chips may remain inside the machine when machining is finished
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the machining state detection unit to automatically control coolant pump operation. When machining is detected as complete, the feedback signal automatically stops the coolant pump, ensuring continuous chip removal throughout the entire machining process without relying solely on program commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant pump system automatically adjusts its operation based on machining state detection and door opening detection, without requiring manual intervention or complex programming. The system serves itself by detecting its own operational state and adjusting coolant discharge accordingly.
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
Effectively removes chips while minimizing power consumption and preventing coolant splashing, ensuring safe and efficient operation by associating coolant pump control with door states.
Implementation Method 1
a coolant pump that sends out the coolant from the coolant tank
Implementation Method 2
the coolant is used to wash away chips
Data Source
AI summary
A coolant apparatus of a machine tool includes a coolant pump that sends out a coolant from a coolant tank, a controller that drives or stops the coolant pump, and a condition setting unit that sets conditions for driving or stopping the coolant pump. Then, the controller drives or stops the coolant pump based on content set by the condition setting unit.