Machine Tool Air Conduit Layout for Thermal Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools face significant accuracy issues due to thermal deformations caused by internally generated heat and environmental temperature fluctuations, leading to 70% of total errors being geometric and thermal in nature, with existing solutions being limited in their ability to compensate for thermal misalignments effectively.
Innovation Solution
A closed air conduit system is implemented within machine tools, comprising a surface part and an underground part, where air flows through an inner cavity of the machine's structural components and buried piping beneath the structure, utilizing convection to stabilize temperature gradients by linking the surface to the more stable subsoil temperature, thereby reducing thermal variations and improving dimensional stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If machine tools operate in environments with temperature fluctuations, then productivity is maintained, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to thermal deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the thermal parameter of the machine tool structure by introducing a temperature-stable zone through underground coupling. The subsoil temperature acts as a reference temperature that stabilizes the structural temperature, preventing thermal expansion and contraction that would otherwise occur with ambient temperature fluctuations, thus maintaining both productivity and manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The underground coupling structure acts as an intermediary between the machine tool structure and the stable subsoil temperature. This intermediary transfers thermal stability from the deep earth to the machine structure, decoupling the machine from ambient temperature variations while allowing continuous operation
2Temperature
If conventional cooling systems are used to maintain temperature, then thermal stability is partially improved, but device complexity increases and local thermal gradients persist
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the thermal management function from complex active cooling systems and replaces it with a passive thermal coupling to the stable subsoil environment. This removes the need for complex cooling pipes, pumps, and control systems while achieving superior thermal stability
Solution Approach 2:
The machine tool structure serves its own thermal regulation needs by utilizing the naturally stable subsoil temperature. The underground coupling allows the structure to self-regulate its temperature without external intervention, eliminating the need for active cooling systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If machine structures are made larger to accommodate workpieces, then adaptability is improved, but thermal deformations increase leading to worse manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the thermal parameter distribution within the machine structure by creating a temperature-stable zone through underground coupling. This allows large machine structures to maintain dimensional stability by referencing the stable subsoil temperature, enabling both large workpiece capacity and high precision
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 significantly reduces thermal deformations, enhancing the precision of machined workpieces by minimizing temperature-induced distortions and misalignments, improving the overall accuracy of machine tools.
Implementation Method 1
air flows through an inner cavity of the machine's structural components and buried piping beneath the structure, utilizing convection to stabilize temperature gradients
Implementation Method 2
By means of convection, the air brings the two parts of the conduit into thermal contact, the surface part which is influenced by the environment temperature and the underground part buried in the soil at a much more stable temperature
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
Machine tool with improved thermal stability comprising: - a workpiece support (100) for supporting at least one workpiece for allowing machining of the workpiece - a support structure (1) comprising a tool carrier support (2), wherein the tool carrier support (2) supports a tool carrier (21) configured for carrying and driving a tool for machining a workpiece supported by the workpiece support (100) through a relative movement between the workpiece and the tool, the machine being characterized by comprising a conduit (3) configured to allow the flow of air in a closed circuit, the conduit (3) comprising a surface part and an underground part, the surface part being an inner cavity (31) of the support structure (1) and the underground part comprising a piping (32) configured to be buried in the soil (4) beneath the support structure (1).