Rotation Indexing Clamp Leak Detection by Air Purge Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools with rotation indexing devices lack a means to detect working fluid leakage into the frame, leading to accuracy issues and operational problems due to deteriorated seal materials, which remain unsolved without immediate detection.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pressure sensor in the supply pipe conduit of the air purge device and an abnormality determination device to detect abnormal pressure changes, allowing for the detection of working fluid leakage and displaying the issue to the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If seal materials are used to seal the pressure chamber in the clamp device and rotary joint, then the working fluid can be contained and the devices can operate normally, but the seal performance deteriorates with aging and sliding causing working fluid leakage into the frame space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a pressure sensor and control system that proactively monitors the pressure in the frame space before working fluid leakage causes operational failure. The system detects pressure changes indicating seal deterioration and triggers warnings or automated responses, allowing maintenance to be performed before the seal failure completely compromises system reliability.
2Device complexity
If no detection means is provided for working fluid leakage, then the device structure remains simple, but leakage goes undetected causing accuracy loss and operational problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical leak detection methods with a pressure sensing system. Instead of using mechanical indicators or complex diagnostic mechanisms, the invention uses electrical pressure sensors to detect changes in frame space pressure that indicate working fluid leakage, significantly simplifying the detection system while improving measurement precision.
3Stress or pressure
If the working fluid leaks into the frame space, then the internal pressure in the frame changes, but without detection means the pressure change cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using pressure sensors to continuously monitor the internal pressure in the frame space and feeding this information back to a control system. When the pressure changes due to working fluid leakage, the system receives this feedback and can trigger appropriate responses such as warnings or shutdowns, preventing loss of information about the leakage condition.
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 immediate detection and notification of working fluid leakage, preventing unsolved operational issues and maintaining accuracy of the angular position of the rotation shaft.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor provided on the frame side with respect to the pressure regulator in the supply pipe conduit, and configured to output a pressure signal according to a pressure in the supply pipe conduit
Implementation Method 2
an air purge device configured to supply compressed air to a space within a frame to increase an internal pressure in the space in order to prevent a coolant liquid or the like from entering the space
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine tool (1) includes a rotation indexing device (2) and an abnormality determination device (53). The rotation indexing device including a clamp device (4) configured to maintain a rotary shaft at an indexed angular position and an air purge device (30) configured to supply compressed air to a space within a frame (5). The abnormality determination device (53) includes a pressure sensor (37) configured to output a pressure signal (S1) according to a pressure in a supply pipe conduit (32) of the air purge device, and a determinator (51) configured to determine presence or absence of an abnormality, based on the pressure signal from the pressure sensor.