Machine Tool Cutting Fluid Filtration Clogging Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting fluid filtration devices in machine tools face challenges in accurately detecting filter clogging at a low cost, as existing methods rely on expensive sensors and are prone to inaccuracies due to viscosity changes and machining operations.
Innovation Solution
A cutting fluid filtration device that includes a contaminated fluid tank, a clean fluid tank, a pump, a lower-limit-position liquid level detector, and a clogging determination unit that uses the relationship between liquid levels and integrated time to accurately detect filter clogging, allowing for cost-effective filter cleaning and prevention of machine tool downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive sensors are used to detect filter clogging, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive liquid level detectors instead of expensive sensors to detect filter clogging. The system employs a lower-limit-position liquid level detector and an upper-limit-position liquid level detector that monitor liquid levels in the filter container to determine clogging status, replacing costly sensing components with affordable level detection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces liquid level as an intermediary parameter to indirectly detect filter clogging. Instead of directly measuring clogging with expensive sensors, the system monitors the liquid level changes in the filter container caused by clogging and uses this intermediate information to determine filter status through the clogging determination unit.
2Ease of manufacture
If simple detection methods are used, then device cost is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid level detectors serve multiple functions: they monitor the liquid level for pump control purposes and simultaneously provide data for filter clogging detection. The lower-limit-position liquid level detector triggers pump operation, while both level detectors together enable clogging determination, making the simple components multi-functional and eliminating the need for dedicated expensive sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the clogging determination unit that continuously analyzes liquid level data from both detectors and provides feedback on filter clogging status. This feedback mechanism enables accurate clogging detection by processing the relationship between liquid levels at different positions, transforming simple level measurements into reliable clogging information.
3Reliability
If filter cleaning is performed frequently, then filter reliability is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of filter clogging using liquid level monitoring before the filter becomes completely blocked. The clogging determination unit detects early signs of clogging by analyzing liquid level relationships, allowing timely filter cleaning that prevents complete blockage and maintains continuous machine operation, thus balancing reliability with productivity.
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 solution enables accurate and cost-effective detection of filter clogging, extending filter life and preventing machine tool failures by integrating liquid level detection and time-based clogging determination, thereby maintaining performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a lower-limit-position liquid level detector configured to detect a liquid level which requires supply of the cutting fluid from the contaminated fluid tank to the clean fluid tank
Implementation Method 2
a pump configured to supply the cutting fluid in the contaminated fluid tank to a filter
Implementation Method 3
a filter configured to filter impurities contained in the cutting fluid
Implementation Method 4
a clogging determination unit configured to determine that the filter is clogged, based on a value indicative of a relationship between the lower-limit position and the liquid level detected by the lower-limit-position liquid level detector
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting fluid filtration device attached to a machine tool has the function of backwashing a filter for filtering impurities in a cutting fluid when the filter is clogged. Whether or not the filter is clogged is determined by integrating the time during which the liquid level of the cutting fluid in a clean fluid tank falls below a lower-limit position by means of a sensor configured to detect the height of the liquid level of the cutting fluid. When a preset reference value is exceeded by the resulting integrated value, it is determined that the filter is clogged.