Multi-Axis Coolant Nozzle Positioning for CNC Swarf and Heat Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
CNC machines face challenges with coolant delivery systems that fail to effectively manage swarf buildup and heat accumulation during cutting processes, leading to decreased accuracy, increased tool wear, and reduced tool life due to inadequate coolant distribution and orientation.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic coolant delivery system comprising a platform, turret, and nozzle that are rotatable and pivotable about multiple axes, allowing for precise and adaptive coolant delivery to cutting tools, ensuring effective swarf removal and heat management by adjusting the nozzle's orientation and position relative to the cutting tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a static coolant delivery system is used, then the system structure is simple, but coolant distribution effectiveness deteriorates leading to poor swarf removal and heat management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the static coolant delivery system into a dynamic one with multi-axis rotation capabilities. The nozzle assembly can rotate about the first axis (spindle axis) and the second axis (tangential axis), enabling the coolant to be dynamically redirected to match the rotational position and orientation of the cutting tool throughout the machining cycle, thereby maintaining effective coolant distribution without compromising system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces another dimension by adding rotational degrees of freedom to the coolant delivery system. The nozzle assembly rotates about two perpendicular axes, adding angular dimensions to the originally static positioning system. This multi-dimensional movement capability allows the coolant jet to track the cutting tool's position and orientation in three-dimensional space, resolving the contradiction between delivery effectiveness and structural simplicity
2Manufacturing precision
If coolant delivery does not track tool movement, then the system operation is simple, but cutting accuracy deteriorates due to inadequate coolant management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by coupling the nozzle assembly's rotational movement to the cutting tool's position and orientation. The system continuously adjusts the nozzle's angular position about the first and second axes to match the tool's instantaneous state during machining. This feedback mechanism ensures that coolant is delivered precisely where needed throughout the cutting cycle, maintaining high cutting accuracy while the control system automatically manages the complexity of tracking movements
3Measurement precision
If a multi-axis rotation system is implemented, then coolant delivery precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating multiple rotational functions into a single unified nozzle assembly. Rather than using separate mechanisms for each degree of freedom, the design combines rotation about the first axis (spindle axis) and the second axis (tangential axis) into one integrated assembly that moves together, reducing the number of independent control mechanisms while maintaining precise coolant delivery positioning
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
The system enhances cutting accuracy, extends tool life by maintaining optimal coolant delivery and swarf removal, reducing wear and improving manufacturing efficiency by dynamically adjusting coolant delivery based on the cutting tool's orientation and movement.
Implementation Method 1
The nozzle is in fluid communication with a coolant reservoir and adapted to deliver coolant from the coolant reservoir to the cutting tool
Implementation Method 2
the removal of material from the workpiece results in heat buildup within the cutting tool... the coolant cools and lubricates the cutting tool
Implementation Method 3
the coolant cools and lubricates the cutting tool
Data Source
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AI summary
A dynamic coolant system (200) for delivering coolant to a cutting tool coupled to a spindle (120) of a computer numerical control ("CNC") machine is disclosed. The dynamic coolant system comprises a platform (270) adapted to be coupled to the spindle (120) and rotatable about a first axis (271) and a nozzle (310) supported by the platform (270) and pivotable about a second axis (311). The nozzle (310) is in fluid communication with a coolant reservoir (302) and adapted to deliver coolant from the coolant reservoir (302) to the cutting tool (390).