Fluid-Powered Cutting Tool Holder for Integrated Sensing and Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting tool system components face challenges in integrating sensors and actuators due to the need for electrical power supply, which is complex and costly, especially for rotary cutting tools, requiring elaborate and expensive feedthroughs.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating fluidic actuators and detectors within the cutting tool system component, which utilize fluid flow or pressurized fluid as a source of energy, eliminating the need for electrical power and allowing for integration without rotary feedthroughs, using fluidic oscillators for efficient cooling and lubrication, and fluidic detectors for monitoring and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If electrical sensors and actuators are integrated into the cutting tool system component, then sensing and control capabilities are improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to the need for electrical power supply and rotary feedthroughs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing and control capabilityVSAvoidpower supply structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical sensors and actuators with fluidic sensors and actuators that operate using fluid pressure and flow instead of electrical signals. This substitution eliminates the need for rotary feedthroughs and electrical power supply systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sensing and control capabilities through fluid-based detection and actuation mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs fluidic actuators that utilize pressurized fluid to generate mechanical motion and fluidic sensors that detect process parameters through fluid flow characteristics. The cooling/lubricating fluid serves dual purposes: thermal management and powering the fluidic components, eliminating the need for separate electrical power supply infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Use of energy by moving object

If rotary feedthroughs are used to supply electrical power to rotary cutting tools, then power supply capability is improved, but reliability and cost worsen due to the elaborate and expensive nature of rotary feedthroughs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power supplyVSAvoidpower supply system

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical power supply system with a fluidic power supply system. Fluidic actuators convert fluid pressure and flow directly into mechanical work without requiring electrical connections through rotary feedthroughs, thereby eliminating the reliability issues and high costs associated with maintaining electrical connections in rotating components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling and lubricating fluid, which is already necessary for the cutting process, is utilized to power the fluidic actuators and sensors. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional power supply infrastructure, as the process fluid itself provides the energy needed for sensing and control functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 easy integration and robust power supply to sensors and actuators, providing effective cooling and lubrication with reduced complexity and cost, while allowing for adaptive control and monitoring of cutting processes.

Implementation Method 1

a fluidic actuator and/or a fluidic detector is or are arranged inside the base body... A fluidic actuator is understood to be an actuator that utilizes fluid flow or pressurized fluid as a source of energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

The cooling and/or lubricating fluid is in this case used to cool the cutting tool and/or a workpiece being machined therewith

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 3

Alternatively or additionally, it ensures that an interface between the cutting tool and a workpiece machined therewith is lubricated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS20220355393A1Cutting tool system component, in particular cutting tool or cutting tool holder

Publication Date: 2022.11.10 KENNAMETAL INC

AI summary

A cutting tool system component, in particular a cutting tool or a cutting tool holder, is described. The cutting tool system component comprises a base body comprising a fluid inlet for supplying cooling and/or lubricating fluid to the cutting tool system component. A fluidic actuator and/or a fluidic detector is arranged inside the base body that has or have a fluid-conducting connection to the fluid inlet.