Machining Tool Generator Assembly Driven by Coolant Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machining tools require tool body movement to generate electric energy, limiting their application to non-rotating tools and causing energy generation fluctuations due to acceleration and deceleration, which can stress the electric system.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a medium flow channel within the tool body to create relative movement between components, using a coolant or chip-removing medium to rotate a circular ring with a designed internal profile, interacting with magnets and piezoelectric materials to generate electric energy efficiently without tool body movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the generator assembly uses tool body movement to generate electric energy, then electric energy can be harvested, but the machining tool cannot be used in non-rotating applications and experiences energy fluctuations due to acceleration and deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluid medium as an intermediary between the tool body and the generator assembly. The fluid flows through channels and acts upon the generator component, enabling energy generation without direct mechanical coupling to tool body motion. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to function in both rotating and non-rotating applications while providing stable, controlled energy generation independent of tool body acceleration and deceleration cycles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional energy generation means are added to enable wireless sensors in non-rotating tools, then energy harvesting becomes possible, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the generator assembly to serve multiple functions: it generates electric energy for wireless sensors, utilizes the existing fluid cooling system for energy generation, and maintains compatibility with both rotating and non-rotating tool applications. By making the generator assembly multi-functional and integrating it with existing tool components, the system achieves wireless sensor capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the tool's own fluid cooling system to drive the generator assembly, converting a necessary operational function (fluid flow for cooling) into a dual-purpose resource that also generates electric energy. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate energy generation systems, reducing overall complexity while enabling wireless sensor functionality.
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
Enables efficient electric energy harvesting in non-rotating machining tools, reducing energy fluctuations and stress on the electric system, allowing for wireless sensor monitoring without additional energy generation means.
Implementation Method 1
The interaction of the second component with the first component for generating electric energy may for instance take place by a relative movement of a magnet and a winding of an electric conductor generating an electric current in the conductor
Implementation Method 2
movement of a magnet with respect to another magnet connected to a cantilever provided with a member of piezoelectric material for generating electric energy by making this member flex and oscillate
Data Source
AI summary
A machining tool for chip-removing machining includes a tool body and a generator assembly for harvesting electric energy to be used in the tool. At least one first component is secured to the tool body and a second component is movably connected to the tool body so as to, by moving with respect to the first component through interaction therewith, generate electric energy in the first component. The generator assembly includes an arrangement for conducting a medium flow to hit and act upon the second component for moving it with respect to the first component.