Machine Tool Cutting Fluid Control for Fast Tip Arrival

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools require significant effort to set cutting fluid supply conditions for each tool, and these conditions are affected by factors like tool usage, fluid type, and temperature changes, leading to inefficiencies and potential adhesion issues.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool with a cutting fluid supply unit, detection unit, and control unit that dynamically adjusts the cutting fluid supply speed based on detection of arrival at the tool tip, using a higher initial speed to ensure quick and appropriate fluid discharge, followed by a lower steady-state speed to reduce power consumption and prevent adhesion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed cutting fluid supply condition is set for each tool, then the supply condition can be maintained consistently, but significant effort is required to set conditions for each tool and adjust for various factors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffort to set cutting fluid supply conditionsVSAvoidadaptability to tool usage, fluid type, and temperature changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects cutting fluid arrival at the tool tip and adjusts supply conditions without operator intervention. The detection unit monitors fluid arrival, and the control unit autonomously modifies supply parameters, eliminating the need for manual setting and adjustment for different tools and conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The detection unit provides real-time feedback on cutting fluid arrival status to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts the supply conditions, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to varying conditions without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If a high supply speed is used to ensure quick fluid discharge, then fluid arrival is ensured, but power consumption increases and adhesion may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of cutting fluid dischargeVSAvoidpower consumption of cutting fluid supply

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting fluid supply speed is dynamically adjusted based on real-time detection of fluid arrival status. The system transitions from a high supply speed during initial discharge to a lower steady-state speed after arrival is confirmed, optimizing both productivity and energy consumption throughout the operation cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The supply operation occurs in distinct phases: an initial high-speed discharge phase to ensure rapid fluid arrival, followed by a lower-speed steady-state phase. This periodic variation in supply speed matches the actual needs of the system at different operational stages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If a high supply speed is used to ensure quick fluid discharge, then fluid arrival is ensured, but adhesion may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of cutting fluid dischargeVSAvoidadhesion of cutting fluid

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The supply speed is dynamically controlled based on detection feedback. High speed is used only temporarily during the initial discharge phase to ensure rapid fluid arrival, then automatically reduced to a lower speed that prevents adhesion while maintaining adequate supply, thus eliminating the harmful effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system rapidly completes the initial fluid discharge phase to quickly reach the tool tip, then transitions to a slower steady-state supply. This rushing through the critical initial phase minimizes the time during which adhesion could occur, while the subsequent lower speed prevents adhesion entirely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

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 approach reduces the effort in setting cutting fluid conditions, ensures quick and appropriate fluid supply, prevents adhesion, and minimizes power consumption while maintaining tool attachment reliability and preventing damage.

Implementation Method 1

a detection unit configured to detect information for determining arrival of the cutting fluid to the leading end of the tool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS12589458B2Machine tool

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A machine tool including a cutting fluid supply unit configured to supply a cutting fluid to be discharged from a leading end of a tool mounted on a spindle, a detection unit configured to detect information for determining arrival of the cutting fluid to the leading end of the tool, and a control unit configured to determine the arrival of the cutting fluid based on the information detected by the detection unit and control the cutting fluid supply unit, wherein the control unit is configured to set a supply speed of the cutting fluid after the cutting fluid supply unit starts to supply the cutting fluid until determination of the arrival of the cutting fluid to be higher than a supply speed after the determination.