Mist Extraction Filtration With Air Recirculation for CNC Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
CNC machine tools generate mist during cutting operations, which contaminates the air and poses health risks to operators and leaves residues on surfaces, and existing mist extraction systems often fail to effectively recirculate filtered air for further filtration.
Innovation Solution
A mist extraction system that includes a filter assembly with a centrifugal blower, baffle plate, and coarse filter media to capture mist droplets, followed by recirculation of filtered air for repeated filtration until desired mist concentration levels are reached, using a control system to manage the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If mist extraction systems use single-pass filtration, then the system complexity is reduced, but the mist removal effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous recirculation of air through the filter assembly, where filtered air is returned to the machine tool enclosure and passed through the filter again. This continuous multi-pass filtration ensures thorough mist removal while maintaining manageable system complexity through a closed-loop design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the recirculation system within the existing machine tool enclosure structure, nesting the filtered air return paths and recirculation fans within the available space. This nesting approach maintains compactness while enabling effective multi-pass filtration.
2Productivity
If cutting fluid is minimized for near dry machining, then productivity is improved, but mist generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful mist generated during near dry machining into a manageable byproduct by implementing an extraction and recirculation system. The mist-laden air is captured, filtered through the filter assembly, and the cleaned air is recirculated back into the workspace, effectively neutralizing the harm while maintaining the productivity benefits of near dry machining.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of mist in the workspace air by continuously extracting mist-laden air and recirculating filtered air, thereby reducing mist concentration to safe levels while maintaining the near dry machining process parameters.
3Use of energy by moving object
If filtered air is not recirculated, then energy consumption is reduced, but mist concentration remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by recirculating filtered air specifically in the workspace area where mist generation occurs, rather than exhausting all air externally. This localized recirculation approach reduces energy consumption compared to full exhaust systems while effectively maintaining low mist concentrations in the critical workspace zone.
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
Effectively reduces mist concentration in the air, minimizing health risks and residue formation by continuously filtering and recirculating air, even after cutting operations, ensuring a safer working environment and cleaner surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifugal blower, baffle plate, and coarse filter media to capture mist droplets
Implementation Method 2
coarse filter media to capture mist droplets
Implementation Method 3
baffle plate, and coarse filter media to capture mist droplets
Data Source
AI summary
A mist extraction system is provided that includes a plenum box having an inlet configured to be coupled in fluid communication with a machine tool enclosure. A blower is coupled in fluid communication with the plenum box and is configured to draw air into the plenum box from the machine tool enclosure via the inlet of the plenum box and exhaust the air back into the machine tool enclosure via an outlet of the blower. A baffle plate is arranged in the plenum box to redirect the air drawn into the plenum box through the inlet of the plenum box and a filter panel is arranged in the plenum box to filter the air redirected by the baffle plate prior to the air entering the blower. A collector arranged to collect mist from the air condensed on the baffle plate and the filter panel.