Machining Debris Cleanout with Curved Fluid Sweep Surface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for removing machining debris, such as chips, from under machining locations are inefficient, leading to productivity losses due to frequent operator intervention and incomplete coverage by spray nozzles, especially in CNC machines operating continuously.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus featuring a collection surface with a curved transition portion and a fluid discharge system that periodically directs fluid across the surface to sweep debris towards a collection point, utilizing a reservoir with an actuator to rotate and discharge fluid, ensuring comprehensive coverage and automated debris removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If spray nozzles are used to direct cutting fluid at the surface under the tool, then chips are moved to a collection point, but the nozzles may have difficulty covering the entire area and leave piles of chips in corners

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechip removal efficiencyVSAvoidcoverage completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The collection surface includes a curved transition portion that redirects fluid flow to sweep chips into collection channels. The curved geometry ensures complete coverage by guiding fluid around corners and into areas that straight nozzles cannot reach, eliminating chip accumulation in previously inaccessible locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The collection surface is divided into multiple regions including a curved transition portion and collection channels. This segmentation allows different areas to perform specialized functions - the curved portion redirects flow while collection channels concentrate and remove chips, improving overall coverage and effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If operators stop the operation to remove chips manually, then chips are removed from the machining location, but productivity is lost due to work stoppage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechip removal capabilityVSAvoidmachining output

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically removes chips using a fluid discharge mechanism that periodically activates to sweep chips into collection channels. This self-service capability eliminates the need for operator intervention during machining operations, allowing continuous productivity while maintaining effective chip removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid discharge operates periodically rather than continuously, activating at intervals to sweep accumulated chips into collection channels. This periodic action is sufficient to maintain chip-free machining areas without requiring constant fluid discharge, optimizing both productivity and resource usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If CNC machines operate 24 hours a day without operator supervision, then productivity increases, but chip accumulation greatly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidchip accumulation volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The periodic fluid discharge system operates continuously over time, with regular intervals ensuring chips are swept into collection channels before accumulation becomes problematic. This continuous useful action maintains effective chip removal throughout extended operating periods, enabling 24-hour operation without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical chip removal by operators is replaced with an automated fluid-based system. The fluid discharge mechanism automatically sweeps chips into collection channels, providing continuous chip removal capability that scales with extended operating hours without requiring additional human labor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The solution enables continuous operation of machining equipment by efficiently and automatically removing debris, reducing downtime and ensuring thorough coverage of the machining area, thereby enhancing productivity.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid discharge positioned above the transition portion adapted to periodically discharge a fluid therefrom so as to be guided by the transition portion across the collection surface to sweep the debris towards a collection point

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

an actuator operable to rotate the reservoir between the first and second positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentUS11964353B2Machine debris clean out system

Publication Date: 2024.04.23 STEED LEEN DAVID

AI summary

An apparatus for removing debris from under a machining location is formed of a static collection surface located below the machining location having a transition portion laterally offset from the machining location and a fluid discharge positioned above the transition portion. The fluid discharge includes a fluid source and a reservoir having an interior adapted to receive and contain a quantity of a fluid from the fluid source for a period of time. The fluid sicharge is adapted to periodically discharge the fluid therefrom so as to be guided by the transition portion across the collection surface to sweep the debris off the static collection surface towards a collection point.