Movable Cleaning Nozzle for Machine Tool Enclosure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools face inefficiencies in cleaning contaminated surfaces, particularly the inner surfaces of protective covers, due to the accumulation of swarf, which affects accuracy and longevity, and require complex maintenance in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design with a cleaning nozzle mounted on the movable machine head that directs fluid towards the protective cover from various positions, reducing the number of nozzles and components needed, and utilizing a common pump for both cleaning and cooling systems, with a diverter valve for fluid control, allowing efficient and robust cleaning without additional movable parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple cleaning nozzles are installed to clean all contaminated surfaces, then cleaning coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cleaning nozzle functions into a single movable cleaning head that can be positioned at different locations. The cleaning head integrates multiple nozzle outlets that can be directed toward different surfaces, eliminating the need for separate fixed nozzles at each location while maintaining comprehensive cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning head is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be repositioned to clean different surfaces including the protective cover. This dynamic positioning capability enables a single cleaning head to perform the function of multiple fixed nozzles, reducing system complexity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
2Reliability
If cleaning nozzles are added to clean the protective cover, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cleaning function for the protective cover with the existing cleaning system by using the same movable cleaning head and fluid supply infrastructure. This integration means that adding protective cover cleaning capability does not require separate maintenance procedures or additional maintenance points, as it uses the same pump, fluid supply, and control mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If a dedicated cleaning system with multiple nozzles is installed, then cleaning thoroughness is improved, but initial cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The movable cleaning head is designed as a universal cleaning device that can clean multiple surfaces including the machine bed, protective cover, and other contaminated areas. The same cleaning head with adjustable nozzle directions serves multiple cleaning purposes, eliminating the need for dedicated nozzle assemblies at each location while maintaining thorough cleaning capability.
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 solution enables efficient cleaning of a large portion of the machine tool enclosure with reduced complexity, minimizing maintenance needs and ensuring effective removal of swarf from various surfaces, including the protective cover, while maintaining tool operation integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning nozzle for dispensing a fluid for cleaning at least one surface contaminated by swarf generated during said machine operation
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
A machine tool comprising a machine head arranged to move between a number of positions, and to perform a machine operation on a workpiece; a cleaning nozzle for dispensing a fluid for cleaning at least one surface contaminated by swarf generated during said machine operation; a protective cover arranged to at least partially surround said workpiece and said machine head during operation. The cleaning nozzle is mounted to the machine head and arranged to direct a fluid towards at least an inner surface of said protective cover from a number of different positions of the machine head.