Machine Tool Frame Thermal Management via Flow Channels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools experience temperature-related deformations and bending due to uneven heating of structural components, leading to inaccuracies in machining axes, which existing cooling methods struggle to effectively address without complex and costly refrigeration systems.
Innovation Solution
A flow channel system is integrated into the machine tool to circulate a temperature control medium, ensuring uniform heat distribution across structural components, thereby reducing temperature gradients and preventing bending, without the need for cooling machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cooling methods (spray nozzles, cooling plates) are used to cool heat-generating components, then local cooling effect is improved, but temperature gradients and bending deformations are not effectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The machine tool structure is divided into multiple modular beam elements with integrated flow channels. Each beam can be independently temperature-controlled, allowing localized heat management while maintaining overall structural integrity and minimizing differential thermal expansion that causes bending.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow channel system serves multiple functions: it cools heat-generating components, heats cooler areas to reduce temperature gradients, and provides thermal compensation throughout the structure. This multi-functional approach replaces separate cooling and heating systems with a unified thermal management solution.
2Temperature
If refrigeration systems are installed to cool the machine tool, then temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control medium circulating through the flow channels enables the machine tool structure to self-regulate its temperature distribution. The system uses the heat generated by functional components itself to drive the thermal management process, reducing the need for external refrigeration equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameters of the flow channel medium dynamically to achieve different thermal effects. By adjusting the temperature and flow rate of the medium, the system can adapt to varying thermal conditions without requiring multiple specialized systems.
3Productivity
If heat-generating functional components are concentrated in specific areas, then functional density is improved, but uneven heating and structural bending increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel system is strategically positioned to provide targeted thermal management to specific high-density functional areas. The channel configuration and temperature control medium are optimized for each local thermal condition, allowing precise heat dissipation or compensation at the source of heat generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature control medium acts as an intermediary that transfers thermal energy between heat-generating functional components and cooler structural areas. This mediator enables balanced heat distribution throughout the machine tool, preventing localized overheating and resulting structural deformation.
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 effectively reduces temperature-related deformations and curvatures, enhancing machining accuracy and reducing costs by eliminating the requirement for refrigeration systems, while maintaining precise temperature control through regulated volume flow.
Implementation Method 1
The heat can be introduced into the structural parts and the components by heat transport. The machine tool can have a flow channel system in which a temperature control medium can be circulated, which can be arranged on the structural parts and the components of the machine tool in such a way that the heat generated by the functional components is distributed in the machine frame and the components as a result of the flow of the temperature control medium
Implementation Method 2
the heat generated by the functional components is distributed in the machine frame and the components as a result of the flow of the temperature control medium
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The present invention relates to a machine tool with a machine frame constructed from structural parts and components mounted thereon, which include functional components. During operation of the machine tool, the functional components generate heat, which is transferred to the structural parts and/or the components by heat transfer. The machine tool also includes a flow channel system (301-309) in which a temperature control medium is circulated. This medium is arranged on the structural parts and/or the components of the machine tool such that, as a result of the flow through the temperature control medium, the heat generated by the functional components is distributed within the machine frame and/or the components.