Cutting Tool Distributor Element for Minimum-Quantity Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cutting tools face challenges with excessive heating due to friction, leading to reduced performance and potential defects, and existing solutions require high cooling lubricant demand, complex designs, and costly additive manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A cutting tool with a channel system that includes a distributor element configured separately from the base body, featuring transversely aligned channels to efficiently supply cooling lubricant to functional elements, reducing lubricant consumption and enabling minimum quantity lubrication, while being lightweight and cost-effective to manufacture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If flood lubrication principle is used with large quantities of cooling lubricant, then cooling capacity is improved, but cooling lubricant consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The channel system is divided into multiple distributor channels that branch out from a central feed channel, segmenting the cooling lubricant flow into targeted paths that reach specific cutting zones efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
Cooling lubricant is delivered locally to specific cutting zones through distributor channels positioned at strategic locations, rather than applying lubricant uniformly across the entire tool, optimizing cooling where it is most needed
2Temperature
If very large cavities are formed to enable high flow rates, then cooling capacity is improved, but tool weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channel system transitions from large axial cavities to a multi-dimensional network of transverse distributor channels, achieving high cooling capacity through optimized flow distribution in multiple directions rather than relying on single large volumes
3Strength
If narrow passages and edges are formed in conventional designs, then structural integrity is maintained, but flow impedance increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having narrow passages constrained by structural edges, the design inverts the approach by creating transverse distributor channels that open directly into cutting zones, reversing the flow path from constrained axial movement to open radial distribution
4Quantity of substance
If additive manufacturing is used to implement minimum quantity lubrication, then cooling lubricant consumption is reduced, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into modular components including a base body, distributor element, and functional elements that can be manufactured separately using conventional methods and assembled, avoiding the need for complex additive manufacturing while enabling precise channel geometry
Solution Approach 2:
A distributor element acts as an intermediary component with pre-formed distributor channels that mediates between the cooling lubricant supply and the cutting zones, enabling minimum quantity lubrication through conventional manufacturing of the distributor component
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 provides high cooling capacity with low lubricant consumption, reduces operational costs, and allows for cost-effective manufacturing without the need for additive manufacturing, while maintaining tool performance and extending tool life.
Implementation Method 1
the channel system comprises a distributor element configured separately from the base body, and wherein the channel system comprises at least one distributor channel aligned transversely
Implementation Method 2
As lubrication reduces friction, this prevents heating in advance
Implementation Method 3
Cooling and/or lubrication can be provided separately by supplying a cooling lubricant to the area to be machined
Implementation Method 4
the cooling lubricant can be transported to the area to be cooled in a targeted and efficient manner
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cutting tool, in particular for cutting, drilling and/or milling a workpiece, with a base body having a central axis, a front end and a rear end, wherein the cutting tool comprises at least one functional element for guiding and/or machining the workpiece, wherein the cutting tool comprises a channel system for supplying the at least one functional element with a cooling lubricant, wherein the channel system comprises a distributor element configured separately from the base body, and wherein the channel system comprises at least one distributor channel aligned transversely to the central axis.