Magnetic Chip Conveyor Layout for Better Coolant Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current magnetic belt chip conveyor systems are inefficient in separating coolant from chips, particularly for rolled chips and high-viscosity liquids, as the optimization of design parameters does not lead to a satisfactory solution, resulting in excessive coolant discharge with chips.

Innovation Solution

The system deflects the return coolant flow out of the removal path and temporarily deprives chips of their supporting surface, causing a jumping movement that enhances coolant release, with a flat discharge path and strategically placed magnets to optimize coolant recovery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the length of the removal area is increased to improve coolant return flow, then coolant separation is improved, but material requirements and footprint increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoolant return flowVSAvoidmaterial requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The removal area is divided into multiple inclined surfaces with different angles rather than a single long surface. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the same coolant separation effect in a more compact configuration, reducing material requirements while maintaining effective coolant return flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of extending the removal area in one dimension (length), the invention uses multiple inclined surfaces arranged in a multi-dimensional configuration. This allows the coolant to be separated through a series of staged inclines, achieving the same separation effect with reduced overall footprint and material usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of energy

If the conveying speed is increased to reduce chip accumulation cross-section, then coolant discharge is improved, but return flow time is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoolant dischargeVSAvoidreturn flow time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying path is divided into multiple inclined surfaces with progressively different angles. This segmentation allows chips to be conveyed at optimized speeds across each segment, maintaining effective coolant discharge while ensuring sufficient return flow time as chips move through each staged section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each inclined surface has a locally optimized angle suited to its specific position in the conveying path. This allows different sections to have different conveying characteristics, with earlier sections focusing on coolant discharge and later sections ensuring adequate return flow time, rather than using a uniform approach throughout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of energy

If magnets are spaced closer together to reduce chip accumulation cross-section, then coolant discharge is improved, but magnet quantity and material consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoolant dischargeVSAvoidmagnet quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying path is segmented into multiple inclined surfaces, allowing magnets to be spaced further apart on each individual surface while still achieving effective coolant discharge. The multi-stage configuration compensates for the larger spacing, reducing the total number of magnets required compared to a single long conveyor with closely spaced magnets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using many closely spaced magnets in a single linear arrangement, the invention distributes magnets across multiple inclined surfaces in a multi-dimensional configuration. This reduces the total magnet quantity while maintaining effective coolant discharge through the staged approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 coolant discharge with chips, allowing subsequent chip accumulations to reach the end of the discharge path in a drier state, improving coolant recovery and reducing material costs by minimizing the number of magnets required.

Implementation Method 1

a chip removal device for removing the chips by means of a magnetic force along a removal path counter to the downhill force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

which allows a return flow of the liquid carried by the removed chips caused by the downhill force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDownhill force (gravity): Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3678785B1Method and device for the chip-removing production or machining of a workpiece with subsequent chip discharge
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 GLEASON PFAUTER MASCHFAB
  • EP3678785B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3678785B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3678785B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for the chip-removing production or machining of a workpiece by means of a tool, in which method a liquid, which mixes and accumulates with the chips produced during the machining process, is used for lubricating and/or cooling the machining process, and the chips are discharged from the accumulation counter to the downhill force along a discharge path by means of a magnetic force, wherein a return flow of the liquid carried by the discharged chips occurs due to the downhill force, and the return flow is deflected out of the discharge path and/or the discharge path has at least one position in which the supporting support is temporarily withdrawn from the discharged chips.