Machine Tool Internal Cleaning via Real-Time Chip Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing internal cleaning devices for machine tools rely on preset programs and lack real-time detection of chip buildup status, leading to inefficient or incomplete chip removal, as they operate without considering the actual chip accumulation during machining.
Innovation Solution
An internal cleaning device that employs a robot and a detecting device, such as a visual sensor or distance sensor, to assess chip buildup status, determining the need for cleaning and adjusting the removal method accordingly, and optionally notifying operators for manual intervention if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a preset program is used to control the cleaning robot, then the cleaning process can be automated, but the cleaning efficiency and accuracy deteriorate because the actual chip buildup status is not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a detection device that detects chip buildup status in real-time and feeds this information back to the control device. The control device then adjusts the cleaning robot's actions based on this feedback, transitioning from open-loop preset programming to closed-loop adaptive control. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining automation while improving cleaning efficiency through real-time status consideration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the cleaning system dynamic by allowing the cleaning robot's movement path and cleaning actions to be adjusted in real-time based on detected chip buildup status. Instead of following a fixed preset program, the system dynamically adapts its cleaning strategy to the actual conditions, resolving the contradiction between automation and cleaning efficiency.
2Extent of automation
If a preset program is used to control the cleaning robot, then the cleaning process can be automated, but the cleaning completeness deteriorates because chips may remain after machining proceeds to the next stage
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device continuously monitors chip buildup status and provides feedback to the control device. This closed-loop system ensures that cleaning is completed thoroughly by detecting remaining chips and directing the cleaning robot to revisit affected areas, thereby maintaining automation while ensuring cleaning completeness and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-inspection through the detection device, automatically identifying areas where chips remain after cleaning. This self-service capability allows the automated system to verify its own work completeness and perform corrective actions without human intervention, resolving the contradiction between automation and cleaning completeness.
3Extent of automation
If cleaning is performed more than necessary based on preset programs, then automation is maintained, but the loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device provides real-time feedback on actual chip buildup status, allowing the control device to adjust the cleaning robot's actions accordingly. This prevents unnecessary cleaning operations by directing the robot only to areas where chips are actually present, maintaining automation while reducing cleaning time and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the cleaning robot dynamically based on detected chip buildup status. Instead of executing fixed preset programs, the cleaning robot's movement path, speed, and cleaning intensity are adjusted according to actual conditions, resolving the contradiction between automation and time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
An internal cleaning device of a machine tool includes: a chip removing device that removes chips; a moving device that is capable of holding the chip removing device; a detecting device that detects the buildup status of chips in the machine tool; an information processing device that processes information related to the chip buildup status obtained by the detecting device and determines a spot requiring a removal of chips; and a control device of the moving device that moves the chip removing device to the spot on which a determination has been made by the information processing device that the spot requires a removal of chips.