Machine Tool Coolant Pipe Friction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tool coolant supply pipes are prone to abrasion and damage when the spindle head moves upward, as they are bent and come into contact with the ceiling of the machining area, leading to friction and wear.
Innovation Solution
A friction reduction mechanism is implemented, using rollers or a slanted table with guides, to reduce the friction between the coolant supply pipe and the ceiling, allowing the pipe to abut against these surfaces instead of a direct surface contact, thereby minimizing abrasion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the coolant supply pipe is made elastic to follow spindle head movement, then the pipe can accommodate vertical movement, but the intermediate portion abuts against the ceiling and suffers abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
A friction reduction portion (roller or sliding member) is introduced as an intermediary between the coolant supply pipe and the ceiling. This mediator reduces the friction coefficient at the contact point, allowing the elastic pipe to abut against the ceiling during spindle head movement without suffering severe abrasion. The intermediary element transforms the harmful high-friction contact into a low-friction interaction that preserves pipe integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the coolant supply pipe is made rigid to prevent hanging, then the pipe maintains structural stability, but it cannot follow the vertical movement of the spindle head
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant supply pipe system is segmented into different functional portions: a rigid portion that maintains structural stability and prevents hanging, and an elastic intermediate portion that follows the vertical movement of the spindle head. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill its specific function - the rigid part provides stability while the elastic part provides adaptability to movement.
3Ease of operation
If the spindle head moves upward to retract the tool, then the tool clears the workpiece, but the coolant supply pipe abuts against the ceiling and wears
Solution Approach 1:
The friction reduction portion serves as a mediator that protects the coolant supply pipe during the necessary upward movement of the spindle head for tool retraction. By reducing friction at the abutment point with the ceiling, the intermediary element enables the spindle head to move upward for tool clearance while significantly extending the lifespan of the coolant supply pipe.
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 effectively reduces friction and extends the lifespan of the coolant supply pipe by preventing direct contact with the ceiling, thus minimizing damage and wear.
Implementation Method 1
a friction reduction portion is provided at a portion of the interference portion against which the line-shaped member is brought into abutment, and is configured to reduce friction between the interference portion and the line-shaped member when the line-shaped member is moved relative to the interference portion in a state of being held in abutment against the interference portion
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool is equipped with a second supply pipe having elasticity and having one end side fixed to a spindle head and the other end side fixed to an arm portion, a cover provided within a machining area, and rollers. When the spindle head is moved in a direction to come close to the arm portion, the second supply pipe is bent and then a portion of the second supply pipe is brought into abutment against the cover. The rollers are provided at a portion of the cover against which the second supply pipe is brought into abutment, and are configured to reduce friction between the cover and the second supply pipe when the second supply pipe moves relative to the cover in an abutment state against the cover.