Portable Machining Tool Lubrication Control via Fluid Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machining processes using lubricants result in environmental pollution and waste, as lubrication continues beyond the machining operation and during tool retraction, necessitating protective measures for operators.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes pressure measurements from a pressurized fluid to detect phases of the machining cycle, allowing for controlled lubrication of the machining tool, thereby optimizing lubricant use and minimizing waste and pollution by activating and deactivating lubrication based on the tool's position and operation phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous lubrication is used throughout the machining cycle, then the tool is adequately lubricated during machining, but lubricant is wasted during tool retraction and environmental pollution occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control system activates the lubrication device in advance before the tool enters the machining phase, ensuring lubrication is ready when needed. The system uses pressure sensor data to detect the approach phase and pre-activates lubrication, then maintains it only during the actual machining operation, avoiding waste during retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors fluid pressure through sensors to detect the current phase of the machining cycle. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically activates or deactivates the lubrication device, ensuring lubrication is applied only during the necessary machining phases and not during retraction, thereby eliminating lubricant waste.
2Reliability
If continuous lubrication is used throughout the machining cycle, then the tool remains lubricated during all operations, but a cloud of lubricant is produced requiring operator protective masks
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous lubrication, the system applies lubrication periodically - activating it only during the approach and machining phases when the tool is in contact with or approaching the workpiece, and deactivating it during the retraction phase. This periodic application eliminates the formation of lubricant clouds in the workspace while maintaining adequate tool lubrication during critical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses real-time pressure sensor feedback to determine when the tool is in the machining zone versus retraction. Based on this feedback, lubrication is activated only when needed and deactivated during retraction, preventing the formation of harmful lubricant clouds that would require operator protective equipment.
3Loss of substance
If pressure measurement and phase detection control is implemented, then lubrication is optimized and waste reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing pressurized fluid that already powers the pneumatic or hydraulic actuator to also drive the lubrication delivery mechanism. The same fluid pressure that moves the tool automatically activates the lubrication device when needed, eliminating the need for separate sensors, control units, and complex detection systems while still achieving phase-based lubrication control.
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 manages lubrication during machining cycles, reducing environmental impact and operational waste by ensuring lubrication is only applied when necessary, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a machining tool which is configured to machine the part under the action of a pressurized fluid feeding the apparatus
Implementation Method 2
measuring the pressure of the fluid at the outlet of the apparatus
Implementation Method 3
a lubricant is used during a machining cycle and the lubrication of the tool is performed continuously throughout the cycle
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling the machining of a part by a portable automatic machining apparatus. A machining tool configured to machine the part under the action of a pressurized fluid feeding the apparatus, and following a machining cycle, comprising a number of phases and a machining support equipment item. The machining support equipment item cooperates with the machining tool during the machining of the part. The method comprises the steps of measuring the pressure of the fluid at the outlet of the apparatus, analyzing the measured pressure to detect at least one phase of the cycle of machining of the part by the machining tool from the duly measured pressure, and controlling the machining support equipment item as a function of the phase of the machining cycle which has been detected.