Cutting Fluid Mixing Unit With Feedback Concentration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting fluid preparation and dispensing devices for machine tools lack precise concentration control, are prone to errors due to manual regulation, and have limited flow rates, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns with drum handling.
Innovation Solution
A modular apparatus with a control unit, pumping means, and mixing unit that allows for precise regulation of water and additive product flow rates, enabling automated dispensing and safe storage of cutting fluid components, with sensors for concentration verification and automated correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a mechanical volumetric dosing device with manual control is used, then the device is simple and inexpensive, but the concentration regulation is imprecise and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an electronic control system that includes a control unit, sensors, and automated dosing mechanisms. This substitution enables precise concentration control through electronic regulation rather than manual mechanical adjustment, directly resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through sensors that monitor the actual concentration of the cutting fluid and compare it with the target concentration. The control unit automatically adjusts the dosing rate based on this feedback, ensuring precise concentration control while maintaining operational simplicity through automated closed-loop regulation.
2Device complexity
If the dosing device is connected to water supply network, then the device structure is simple, but the maximum flow rate is limited by the water supply network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the dosing device with multi-functionality, allowing it to operate in two modes: connected to the water supply network for normal operation, and connected to a water reservoir for high-flow rate operations. This universal design enables the device to adapt to different flow rate requirements without compromising structural simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If manual regulation of concentration is used, then the device is simple to operate, but the risk of errors by operators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the control unit automatically regulates the dosing rate based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual concentration adjustment. The system performs self-diagnosis and self-correction, ensuring reliable concentration control while maintaining ease of operation through automated processes.
4Ease of operation
If drums of additive product are stored in preparation area, then accessibility is good, but safety concerns arise from improper handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the additive product storage from the general preparation area and places it in a dedicated, controlled storage zone within the device. This separation isolates the hazardous material from operators and other equipment, reducing safety risks while maintaining controlled accessibility through the device's integrated handling system.
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 apparatus ensures rapid, precise, and safe preparation and dispensing of cutting fluid with higher flow rates, reducing operational time and minimizing errors, while ensuring safe storage and handling of additives.
Implementation Method 1
a pump adapted to pump the water from the reservoir toward the mixing unit
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus for preparing and dispensing a lubricant and coolant liquid product including a body with a base that defines a support surface for at least one container of an additive product and having a collection tank above which the container can be positioned, a storage reservoir of water suppliable from a water source, a mixing unit in communication with the reservoir and with the at least one container of the additive product, to mix the water and the additive product in a predetermined concentration, first pumping means adapted to pump the water from the reservoir toward the mixing unit, a control unit to control at least the first pumping means, and a dispensing circuit for dispensing the lubricant and coolant fluid obtained in the mixing unit. The body further includes a containing structure that encloses one, several or all the aforesaid components.