Cutting Fluid Preparation Unit With Flow-Metered Additive Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for preparing and dispensing cutting fluids in machine tools lack precise regulation and control of additive concentrations, leading to potential tool damage and machining defects, and are limited by water supply network flow rates, with manual operation and safety hazards due to unorganized storage of additive containers.
Innovation Solution
A modular apparatus with a control unit and pumping means that allows for precise regulation of water and additive flow rates, featuring a mixing unit, flow meters, and a user interface for automated operation, ensuring safe and efficient preparation and dispensing of cutting fluids with adjustable concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a mechanical volumetric dosing device is used to prepare cutting fluid, then the device is simple and inexpensive, but the concentration regulation varies significantly when water flow rate changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a flow meter measures the actual water flow rate, and a control unit automatically adjusts the additive dosing rate to maintain the correct concentration ratio, resolving the instability caused by flow rate variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors and actuators to precisely regulate concentrations, eliminating the imprecision of manual ring nut adjustments
2Device complexity
If manual control of ring nut type is used for concentration regulation, then the device structure is simple, but the risk of errors increases with inexperienced or distracted operators
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs self-adjustment by automatically monitoring flow rates and correcting dosing rates without human intervention, eliminating operator errors entirely
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated electronic control system that eliminates human error in concentration regulation
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the dosing device is connected to water supply network, then the device can operate continuously, but the maximum flow rate is limited by the water supply network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hydraulic pump system that independently pressurizes and delivers water to the mixing chamber, decoupling the dosing device's flow rate from the water supply network's flow rate limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate storage tank and pump system between the water supply network and the dosing device, allowing the system to store water and deliver it at higher flow rates when needed for filling operations
4Ease of operation
If drums of lubricant oil are stored in the preparation area without particular precautions, then the storage is simple and accessible, but safety hazards arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent physically separates the storage area for lubricant drums from the preparation area, creating distinct functional zones that reduce safety hazards while maintaining operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs automatic drum changing mechanisms that use disposable or easily replaceable drum components, allowing safe and efficient replacement of lubricant containers without manual handling in the preparation area
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
Enables rapid, precise, and safe preparation and dispensing of cutting fluids, automating the filling process and reducing operational time, while ensuring accurate concentration control and safe storage of additive containers.
Implementation Method 1
a pump adapted to pump the water from the reservoir toward the mixing chamber
Implementation Method 2
a mixing chamber adapted to mix the water and the additive product in a predetermined concentration
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
Apparatus 1 for preparing and dispensing a lubricant and coolant liquid product, comprising a body 10 with a base 11 that defines a support surface for at least one container F, C of an additive product and having a collection tank lib above which said container F, C, can be positioned, a storage reservoir 20 for containing water supplied from a water source, a mixing unit 30 in fluid communication with said storage reservoir 20 and with the at least one container F, C of the additive product, configured to mix the water and the additive product in a predetermined concentration, first pumping means 25 adapted to pump the water from the storage reservoir 20 toward the mixing unit 30, a control unit 40 configured to control at least the first pumping means 25, and a dispensing circuit 51, 52 for dispensing the lubricant and coolant fluid obtained in the mixing unit 30. The body 10 further comprises a containing structure 12 that encloses one, several or all the aforesaid components.