Milling Tool Central Distributor for High-Speed MQL Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-speed cutting tools, such as milling tools, face issues with inadequate cooling and lubrication due to chip deformation and aerosol separation, leading to increased machining temperatures and reduced tool life.

Innovation Solution

A milling tool design featuring a central distributor element with separate, axially directed coolant channels that supply coolant/lubricant directly to each cutting edge, preventing aerosol separation and ensuring continuous, edge-free conduction, with a flexible pipe section arrangement to avoid sharp changes in direction and ensure uniform cooling/lubrication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If coolant channels have sharp-edged direction changes adapted to tool geometry, then the coolant channel routing is compact and fits the tool geometry, but the coolant/lubricant mixture separates in aerosol form reducing cooling and lubrication effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoolant channel routingVSAvoidcooling and lubrication effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by replacing sharp-edged channel directions with smooth, curved transitions. The coolant channels are designed with continuous curved paths that guide the coolant from the central supply channel to the cutting edges without abrupt angle changes, preventing aerosol separation and maintaining effective cooling and lubrication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If a central distributor element with separate coolant channels is used, then continuous edge-free conduction of coolant is achieved preventing aerosol separation, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoolant conduction continuityVSAvoidchannel arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the coolant distribution system into a central distributor element with multiple separate coolant channels, each independently guiding coolant to specific cutting edges. This segmentation allows for continuous edge-free conduction in each channel while organizing the complexity into a modular central distributor structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple coolant channels into a single central distributor element that receives coolant from one central supply channel. This combining approach consolidates the complexity into one integrated component rather than requiring multiple separate channel systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable coolant conduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If the central distributor element is designed as a separate element, then production costs are reduced and interchangeability is improved, but the connection between distributor element and coolant supply channel must be precisely made

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction cost and interchangeabilityVSAvoidconnection arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the distributor element as a separate, detachable component from the tool body and coolant supply channel. This segmentation enables independent manufacturing of the distributor element, reducing production costs and allowing interchangeability if defects occur or adjustments are needed, while the connection interface is designed to manage the associated assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design enhances the service life of high-speed milling tools by maintaining effective cooling and lubrication, preventing chip formation and edge heating, thus improving mechanical cutting properties and reducing production costs.

Implementation Method 1

Due to the chip deformation during machining, a high machining temperature is often reached, especially at speeds in the range of 10,000 revolutions per minute and more, which is reduced by appropriate lubricants/coolants.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

A separate, separate coolant channel leads the required lubricant/coolant directly from the central distributor element to each cutting edge of the milling tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP2313225B1Cutting tool with minimal quantity lubrication (MQL)
Publication Date: 2014.10.08 GUEHRING KG
  • EP2313225B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2313225B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2313225B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A milling tool (1) is disclosed, in particular, for rotational speeds of ≥ 10,000 rpm, with a base body (2), in which a channel arrangement is provided for introduction of coolant/lubricant to each blade of the milling tool (1). According to the invention, a central distributor (4) is arranged within the tool, from which a separate, individual coolant channel (7) runs to a coolant outlet opening (10) in front of each blade and each coolant channel (7) comes from the central distributor element (4) in an axial direction of the tool (1). The central distributor element (4) is furthermore a separate element.