Machine Tool Coolant Supply with Programmed Valve and Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tool coolant supply systems lack efficient control over coolant nozzle switching and discharge levels, leading to increased user workload and suboptimal coolant distribution during machining processes.
Innovation Solution
A coolant supply system that reads coolant assignment codes from machining programs to control valve opening and pump discharge levels, allowing for precise control of coolant flow through multiple nozzles, reducing user intervention and improving coolant distribution efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual control of coolant nozzle switching and discharge levels is used, then system complexity is reduced, but user workload increases and coolant distribution efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant supply system automatically controls valve switching and pump discharge levels based on machining program codes without requiring manual user intervention. The system reads coolant assignment codes from the machining program and autonomously adjusts the coolant supply state, eliminating the need for users to manually control each nozzle and discharge level while maintaining efficient coolant distribution.
2Ease of operation
If automated control of coolant valves and pump discharge is implemented, then user workload is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a single automated control mechanism. The same control unit that manages the machining program also handles coolant assignment code interpretation, valve control, and pump discharge regulation. This multi-functional approach reduces user workload while avoiding the need for separate complex control systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
Coolant assignment codes serve as an intermediary between the machining program and the coolant supply control system. These codes contain pre-defined instructions for valve switching and pump discharge levels, allowing the system to automatically translate machining requirements into appropriate coolant supply configurations without requiring complex real-time calculations or user intervention.
3Productivity
If coolant discharge level is increased to improve cooling efficiency, then power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump discharge level is dynamically adjusted based on the coolant assignment codes and machining requirements rather than operating at a fixed high level. The system changes discharge levels in real-time according to the machining stage and coolant nozzle configuration, providing sufficient cooling efficiency only when and where needed, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the discharge level parameter of the pump according to different machining conditions and coolant assignment codes. By adjusting this parameter dynamically rather than maintaining a constant high discharge level, the system achieves adequate cooling efficiency while significantly reducing power consumption during machining operations.
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
Simplifies user operation by automating coolant nozzle switching and discharge level adjustments, enhancing coolant distribution and reducing power consumption during machining processes.
Implementation Method 1
a pump connecting the plurality of coolant supply conduits and the coolant tank, the pump being configured to discharge the coolant stored in the coolant tank to the plurality of coolant supply conduits
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of valves provided in the plurality of coolant supply conduits, respectively, each of the plurality of valves being configured to control a flow amount of each of the plurality of coolant supply conduits
Data Source
AI summary
A method of supplying a coolant to a machine tool includes reading, from a machining program, a called code of at least one coolant assignment code, each of the at least one coolant assignment code being to instruct to open or close a plurality of valves provided in a plurality of coolant supply conduits, respectively, the plurality of coolant supply conduits being installed in the machine tool to be connected to a plurality of nozzles, each of the at least one coolant assignment code being to instruct a degree of discharge of the coolant from a pump to the plurality of nozzles. The opening and closing of the plurality of valves are controlled based on the called code. The pump is controlled to discharge the coolant by the degree of discharge based on the called code.