Machine Tool Partition Member for Cutting Fluid Leakage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Machine tools with large openings in their covers face issues with cutting fluid leakage and external air intrusion, leading to unstable machining accuracy due to the door's opening and closing mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A partition member is introduced that can move relative to the cover's wall surface to create a smaller opening, guided by a sliding mechanism, which can be adjusted by a robot system to control the size of the opening, thereby reducing fluid leakage and air intrusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a relatively large opening is formed in the cover to accept various kinds of objects, then the adaptability for machining various objects is improved, but cutting fluid leakage and external air intrusion increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability for machining various objectsVSAvoidcutting fluid leakage and external air intrusion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The opening is segmented into two functional zones: a fixed portion and a movable partition member. The partition member can be selectively positioned to create different opening sizes, allowing the system to adapt between large openings for versatility and small openings for containment based on the specific machining task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition member is made movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the opening size. This enables the opening to transition between large and small configurations, optimizing both adaptability and containment performance depending on the machining requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the door is opened to access the work space, then the ease of operation for loading and unloading objects is improved, but cutting fluid leakage and temperature variation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operation for loading and unloading objectsVSAvoidcutting fluid leakage and temperature variation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The opening control is segmented into two independent systems: the door for access and the partition member for containment. This allows the door to remain open for ease of operation while the partition member maintains a small opening to prevent fluid leakage and air intrusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition member acts as an intermediary element between the open door and the work space. It mediates by providing a controlled small opening that allows necessary air passage while preventing harmful factors like cutting fluid leakage and excessive temperature variation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a partition member is added to cover part of the opening, then cutting fluid leakage and air intrusion are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting fluid leakage and air intrusionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The partition member is designed to perform multiple functions: it covers part of the opening to prevent fluid leakage, allows controlled air passage to maintain temperature, and can be adjusted to different positions to accommodate various object sizes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The partition member is designed to be easily movable and adjustable, allowing operators to configure it themselves based on the machining requirements without requiring complex control systems or additional assistance mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If the partition member is made movable to adjust the opening size, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability of opening sizeVSAvoiddevice complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The partition member uses simple, inexpensive components such as guides and movable plates rather than complex motorized systems. The design prioritizes cost-effectiveness and simplicity, using basic mechanical elements that are easy to manufacture and maintain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The design replaces complex automated control systems with simple mechanical guides and movable partitions. This mechanical approach achieves the desired adaptability without requiring expensive sensors, motors, or control electronics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9844847B2Machine tool, partition device and robot system provided with partition member covering a part of opening of cover

Publication Date: 2017.12.19 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A machine tool can prevent cutting fluid or the like, which has occurred within a cover, from leaking out through an opening when a door provided in the cover is open. The machine tool includes a door for opening and closing an opening provided in a cover for defining a work space, and a partition member which is attached, as a member separated from the door, to the cover and which shields a part of the opening to define a small opening smaller than the opening.