Machine Tool Coolant Tank Layout for Bubble Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools face challenges in suppressing coolant bubbling at various locations, making it difficult to manage bubble-like coolant effectively.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool design incorporating a first tank for storing coolant, a pump for circulating coolant, a second tank for collecting bubbles, and a controller to manage the pump operations, ensuring bubbles are sent to the second tank along with coolant.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If coolant is stored in a single tank and circulated, then the system structure is simple, but bubble-like coolant cannot be effectively separated and managed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetank structureVSAvoidbubble management

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The single tank is divided into two separate tanks: a first tank for storing liquid coolant and a second tank for collecting bubble-like coolant. The pump transfers coolant from the first tank to the second tank, enabling separation of liquid and bubble phases. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by adding structural complexity that directly improves bubble management capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Bubble-like coolant is extracted and separated from the liquid coolant through the pump transfer process. The second tank specifically collects and stores the bubble-like coolant that is taken out from the circulation system, enabling independent management and disposal of bubbles without interfering with the liquid coolant supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If bubbles are allowed to accumulate in the coolant system, then the system operates continuously without interruption, but coolant may leak outside the machine tool

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidcoolant leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The second tank acts as an intermediary container that receives and isolates bubble-like coolant from the main circulation system. By introducing this intermediate storage, bubbles are contained and managed separately, preventing them from accumulating in the circulation lines and causing leakage, while the liquid coolant continues to circulate uninterrupted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful effect of bubble accumulation is converted into a manageable situation by deliberately directing bubbles to the second tank. The pump system that could potentially cause leakage is instead used beneficially to separate and transfer bubbles to a dedicated collection tank, turning a potential problem into an effective bubble management solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If a filtration mechanism is added to remove foreign matter, then coolant purity is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoolant qualityVSAvoidfiltration system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filtration mechanism is merged with the existing tank and pump system. The filter is integrated into the coolant circulation path between the first and second tanks, combining the filtration function with the existing bubble separation and transfer mechanism. This merging approach improves coolant quality without adding completely separate filtration equipment, thus limiting the increase in system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution effectively collects and manages bubble-like coolant in a separate tank, preventing leaks and allowing for easier handling and disposal, thus enhancing the operational efficiency of machine tools.

Implementation Method 1

a pump for pumping up the coolant stored in the first tank; and a controller for controlling the pump to send bubbles generated inside the first tank together with the coolant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBubble generation: Cavitation

Implementation Method 2

a float-type pump configured to float on liquid coolant stored in the second tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP4570428A1Machine tool and tank

Publication Date: 2025.06.18 DMG MORI CO LTD

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AI summary

Provided is a technique to deal with bubble-like coolant generated at various locations. A machine tool capable of machining a workpiece includes: a first tank for storing coolant used in machining the workpiece; a pump for pumping up the coolant stored in the first tank; a second tank for storing the coolant pumped up by the pump; and a controller for controlling the pump to send bubbles generated inside the first tank together with the coolant, to the second tank.