Guide Element for Laminar Coolant Flow on Rotating Tool
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for supplying cooling fluid to the outer surface of a tool in machine tools are inefficient, particularly at high rotational speeds, as the coolant flow along the outer surface of the tool is not optimized.
Innovation Solution
A guide element with a guide tube surrounding the tool shank, forming an annular gap and a funnel-shaped widening on the machine side, is integrated into the clamping nut to direct the coolant flow, ensuring a laminar flow along the tool shank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If coolant is supplied through the tool holder to the outer surface of the tool, then the cooling fluid reaches the working range, but at high rotational speeds the coolant supply becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element acts as an intermediary component between the tool holder and the tool shank. It includes a guide tube with a funnel-shaped widening that directs the coolant flow along the outer surface of the tool shank. This intermediary structure ensures that the coolant flows in a controlled, laminar manner even at high rotational speeds, resolving the inefficiency of direct coolant supply to the rotating tool.
2Temperature
If coolant flows along the outer surface of the tool, then the working range is cooled, but the flow becomes turbulent at high rotational speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element changes the flow parameters of the coolant by introducing a funnel-shaped widening and a controlled annular gap. This geometric configuration transforms the coolant flow into a stable, laminar flow pattern. The funnel shape accelerates the coolant in a controlled manner while the narrow gap maintains attachment to the tool surface, ensuring stable flow characteristics even at high rotational speeds, thus maintaining cooling effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional clamping nut is used, then the tool is clamped securely, but the coolant flow cannot be directed properly along the tool shank
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element is merged with the clamping nut structure. The guide tube is positioned within the clamping nut, and the funnel-shaped widening is integrated into the nut's geometry. This combination allows the clamping nut to perform both its traditional function of securing the tool and its new function of directing coolant flow along the tool shank, thereby improving coolant flow direction without significantly increasing device complexity.
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 configuration enhances the coolant supply by maintaining a laminar flow and improving the distribution of the coolant along the tool's outer surface, even at high rotational speeds.
Implementation Method 1
A laminar coolant flow along the tool shank is obtained by compacting the coolant flow 10 in the funnel-shaped area of the guide element 5 and the subsequent guidance in the channel formed by the annular gap 9.
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus for supplying a cooling fluid to the outer surface of a tool consists of a guide element which surrounds the tool shank and gives rise to a laminar coolant flow.