Grinding Wheel Internal Coolant Channel Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing abrasive grinding systems face challenges in delivering sufficient coolant to the active grinding zone, leading to surface burning and subsurface damage of workpieces due to inadequate cooling and lubrication during the grinding process.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a coolant channel and distribution system within the grinding wheel, which captures coolant from an external or internal source and redistributes it through the grinding layer to the active grinding surface, ensuring consistent and efficient coolant delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional external coolant delivery methods are used, then the system structure is simple, but insufficient coolant reaches the active grinding zone causing surface burning and subsurface damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece surface qualityVSAvoidcoolant delivery system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coolant channel is integrated within the grinding wheel structure itself, with the channel nested inside the wheel body and the exit opening positioned on the active grinding surface. This nesting approach delivers coolant directly to the grinding zone while maintaining a compact design without external complex delivery mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The grinding wheel acts as an intermediary device that receives coolant from an external source and redistributes it through its internal channel to the active grinding surface. This intermediary function solves the problem of delivering coolant to the difficult-to-reach grinding zone between the wheel and workpiece.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If coolant is delivered externally to the grinding zone, then the system is easier to manufacture, but coolant delivery efficiency is insufficient leading to inadequate cooling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoolant delivery efficiencyVSAvoidgrinding wheel manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The grinding wheel incorporates an internal coolant channel with an exit opening on the active grinding surface, creating a controlled porous-like structure that allows coolant to be delivered efficiently directly to the grinding zone. This integrated channel structure improves coolant delivery efficiency while being manufacturable using conventional wheel manufacturing techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Temperature

If no internal coolant channel is used, then the grinding wheel structure is simpler, but grinding force and temperature increase causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrinding zone temperatureVSAvoidwheel internal structure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grinding wheel is segmented into functional zones including an active grinding surface and an internal coolant channel system. This segmentation allows the wheel to simultaneously perform grinding and cooling functions, with the channel delivering coolant directly to high-temperature zones to control grinding temperature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coolant delivery approach transitions from external two-dimensional surface application to internal three-dimensional channel integration within the wheel body. This dimensional change allows coolant to reach the grinding zone from the wheel interior, effectively cooling the interface between wheel and workpiece.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This solution reduces the risk of surface burning and subsurface damage by maintaining adequate cooling and lubrication, enhancing cutting performance and reducing grinding force and temperature, thereby improving the cost-effectiveness of the grinding process.

Implementation Method 1

a coolant channel coupled to a coolant exit. The coolant channel extends through a grinding layer of the grinding wheel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through channels:

Implementation Method 2

Using abrasive articles with such systems may reduce or even prevent surface burning and/or damage of a workpiece subsurface during an abrading operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal cooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 3

ensuring consistent and efficient coolant delivery... enhancing cutting performance and reducing grinding force and temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS20240001511A1Systems and methods for providing coolant to an active grinding area

Publication Date: 2024.01.04 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

A grinding system is presented that includes a grinding wheel with a coolant channel coupled to a coolant exit. The coolant channel extends through a grinding layer of the grinding wheel. The coolant exit is on an active grinding surface of the grinding wheel. The grinding system also includes a mounting feature configured to couple the grinding wheel to a grinding machine. The grinding system also includes a coolant distribution component configured to receive coolant and provide it through the coolant channel to the coolant exit point.