Mist Collector Shutdown Control for Machine Tool Energy Savings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mist collectors in machine tools consume excessive electrical power when operated over prolonged periods due to prolonged operation.

Innovation Solution

A control device that includes a machining control unit to determine machining completion and a collector control unit to automatically stop the mist collector, thereby reducing unnecessary operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the mist collector is operated over a prolonged time period to reliably prevent mist leakage, then the mist collection reliability is improved, but the electrical power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemist collection reliabilityVSAvoidelectrical power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control device determines machining completion in advance based on the machining program before the actual machining ends. By knowing when machining will complete, the system can prepare to stop the mist collector at the optimal moment, ensuring reliable mist collection during machining while enabling timely shutdown to reduce power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device continuously monitors machining status and uses feedback from the machining control unit to automatically adjust mist collector operation. When machining completion is detected, the system provides feedback to stop the mist collector, creating a closed-loop control that balances reliability with energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If the mist collector is stopped immediately when machining completes, then the electrical power consumption is reduced, but the mist collection effectiveness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power consumptionVSAvoidmist collection effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system determines machining completion in advance based on the machining program, allowing it to stop the mist collector at the precise moment when machining actually ends. This preliminary determination ensures the mist collector remains operational throughout the entire machining process for effective mist collection, while stopping immediately afterward to reduce power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device automatically manages the mist collector operation based on machining status without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously starting and stopping the mist collector at appropriate times, ensuring effective mist collection during machining while minimizing power consumption after machining completes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250291332A1Control device, machine tool, and control method

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A control device for a machine tool, which machines a workpiece in a processing area and is equipped with a coolant supplier that supplies coolant to the processing area and a mist collector that collects mist within the processing area, comprises a machining control unit that controls the machine tool to perform machining on the basis of a machining program and determines whether the machining has finished, and a collector control unit that automatically stops the mist collector if the machining has finished.