NC Spray Timing Control for Cutting Fluid and Chip Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing numerical control devices fail to accurately control the drive of a spray mechanism for cutting fluid due to fluctuations in machining time periods caused by changes in operating conditions, leading to inefficient coolant supply and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A numerical control device that measures and stores machining time periods, determines matching machining information, and adjusts the drive of the spray mechanism based on predetermined time intervals to ensure accurate and efficient cutting fluid application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the spray mechanism is driven continuously based on machining program execution, then chips are effectively washed away, but power consumption increases and coolant supply becomes excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidchip discharge effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spray mechanism is driven intermittently rather than continuously. The control device determines drive timing based on machining time period information, creating periodic spray cycles that match the actual machining rhythm. This reduces power consumption while maintaining effective chip discharge during active machining phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device stores reference machining information including machining time periods in advance. By having this information pre-available, the system can determine optimal spray timing before machining begins, ensuring the spray mechanism activates at the right moment to effectively discharge chips while avoiding unnecessary operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If the spray mechanism drive time is based on machining time period, then coolant supply timing is optimized, but machining time period fluctuations cause inaccurate spray control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray timing accuracyVSAvoidresponse to operating condition changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control device uses stored reference machining information as a feedback mechanism. When machining conditions match stored conditions, the system retrieves the corresponding machining time period to determine spray timing. This feedback loop maintains accurate spray control while adapting to different operating conditions through pattern recognition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system stores multiple sets of machining information with different parameters (machining conditions and corresponding time periods). When operating conditions change, the system selects the appropriate parameter set from storage, allowing accurate spray timing adaptation without direct real-time measurement of fluctuations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If the spray mechanism is driven only at blocks causing stand-by state, then power consumption is reduced, but coolant supply becomes excessive and insufficient at other critical moments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoolant pump powerVSAvoidcoolant supply amount
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The control device automatically determines optimal spray timing by comparing current machining state with stored reference information. The system self-regulates coolant supply based on actual machining needs identified through time period analysis, eliminating the need for manual intervention or excessive conservative supply while ensuring adequate cooling when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4667152A1Numerical control device, control method, control program, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP4667152A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4667152A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4667152A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A numerical control device determines whether matching machining information is stored in the storage portion (S31) in a state in which the reference machining information is stored in the storage portion. The matching machining information is the reference machining information in which the identification information matching the identification information of the received machining program and the machining conditions matching the set machining conditions are associated. When it is determined that the matching machining information is stored in the storage portion (yes at S31), and when it is determined that the specific time has been reached, the numerical control device drives the spray mechanism during a period from the specific time to the end of the machining operation(S33).