MQL Lance Orifice Layout for Fine Mist Lubricant Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MQL tool holders face issues with large oil droplets forming due to a single hole at the end of the lance, leading to plugging and reduced efficiency in lubricant delivery, which affects the air-to-lubricant ratio and machining efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The MQL tool incorporates a lance with a passageway and radially extending orifices near the end, allowing lubricant to mix with air and form a fine mist, preventing axial lubricant flow and enhancing mist formation upstream of the end, thereby improving lubricant distribution and reducing plugging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single hole is used at the end of the lance, then the structure is simple, but large oil droplets form and cause plugging
Solution Approach 1:
The single hole at the end of the lance is segmented into multiple orifices (e.g., four orifices arranged in a square pattern). Each orifice has a diameter of 0.5-1.5mm, creating multiple smaller exit points for the lubricant. This segmentation prevents large droplet formation and reduces plugging while maintaining structural simplicity of the lance body.
2Productivity
If lubricant flows axially from the end of the lance, then the delivery path is direct, but large drops agglomerate and plug the tool
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant delivery is transitioned from axial flow (single direction along the lance axis) to radial flow (perpendicular direction through the lance wall). Multiple orifices are positioned on the lateral surface of the lance, causing lubricant to exit radially outward. This dimensional change disperses the lubricant into smaller droplets that mix better with air and prevent agglomeration in the tool's coolant channels.
3Quantity of substance
If the orifice diameter is large, then lubricant flow is high, but droplet size increases and causes plugging
Solution Approach 1:
The orifice diameter parameter is optimized to a specific range of 0.5-1.5mm, which is smaller than conventional single holes but compensated by having multiple orifices. This parameter change creates finer mist quality suitable for MQL applications while maintaining adequate lubricant delivery through the multiplicity of orifices. The precise control of orifice diameter prevents droplet agglomeration.
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 ensures efficient lubricant distribution, reduces plugging, and maintains the desired air-to-lubricant ratio, enhancing machining efficiency by creating a consistent air-oil mist for cutting tools.
Implementation Method 1
lubricant exiting the orifice is impinged upon by air flowing around the lance to form an air-oil mist
Data Source
AI summary
A minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) tool including a lance. The lance includes a passageway and an orifice. The passageway extends axially from a first end of the lance toward a second end of the lance and allows a lubricant supply to flow therein from the first end of the lance toward the second end of the lance. The first orifice extends radially through the lance at a location near the second end of the lance. The lubricant supply flowing through the passageway exits the orifice and is impinged upon by air flowing around the lance.