Machine Tool Guiding Rails with Integrated Cooling Bars
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Solution Overview
Problem
High frictional losses and heat generation in machine tool guiding systems lead to thermal deformations and reduced machining accuracy due to uneven heat distribution, which existing cooling methods fail to effectively address, especially in dynamic machining operations.
Innovation Solution
The use of cooling bars made from highly heat-conductive materials, such as aluminum alloys, with longitudinal channels for continuous cooling liquid flow, which are arranged in close pressure contact with guiding rails to dissipate heat and securely fix the rails, providing both effective cooling and positional fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling bars are used to dissipate heat from guiding rails, then temperature increases are reduced and thermal deformations are prevented, but the device complexity increases due to additional cooling components and liquid supply systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling function with the existing guiding rail structure by integrating cooling channels directly into the guiding rail body. This merging of functions allows heat dissipation without requiring separate cooling bars or additional components, thereby reducing device complexity while effectively controlling the temperature of guiding rails
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding rail is designed to cool itself through internally integrated cooling channels that circulate cooling liquid. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external cooling systems or additional cooling components, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective temperature control
2Temperature
If internal cooling channels are formed in guiding rails, then heat dissipation is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases due to complex bore production
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent cooling channels within the guiding rail, each capable of being manufactured separately and then integrated. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing processes for each individual channel while achieving comprehensive heat dissipation coverage throughout the guiding rail structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cooling liquid as an intermediary substance that flows through the channels to transfer heat away from the guiding rail. This intermediary approach allows effective heat dissipation without requiring complex direct cooling mechanisms, simplifying the manufacturing process while improving thermal management
3Temperature
If cooling liquid is supplied under pressure through rotating connections, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but technical input and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotating connection system from the cooling liquid supply mechanism, eliminating the need for complex multi-sealed rotating connections. Instead, the cooling liquid is supplied through stationary connections to the guiding rail, simplifying the system while maintaining cooling effectiveness through the integrated cooling channels
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than supplying cooling liquid through rotating connections at the spindle, the patent inverts the approach by integrating cooling channels directly into the guiding rail structure and supplying cooling liquid through stationary connections. This inversion eliminates the need for complex rotating seals while achieving effective cooling where it is most needed
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 significantly reduces temperature increases in guiding rails, preventing thermal deformations and improving machining accuracy by ensuring consistent heat dissipation and secure rail positioning, thus extending the life of the guiding systems.
Implementation Method 1
relatively great quantities of heat are transferred from the guiding rails and the adjacent areas of the machine parts into the cooling bars and/or into the cooling liquid or coolant flowing through the bars
Implementation Method 2
cooling liquid flowing through the bars
Data Source
AI summary
A guiding system for machine tools of the type having first machine parts with guiding rails fastened thereto and second machine parts supported by shoes on the guiding rails of the first machine parts in such a way that they can be moved with respect to each other. At least in sections along their length that are exposed to high thermal loading, the guiding rails are kept in close pressure contact over a large surface area by cooling bars to which a coolant is applied.