Plasma Tool with Inductive Power for CNC Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plasma processing tools face challenges with insufficient machining precision during manual guidance and high costs associated with manual and automated systems, as well as the expense of separate machinery for plasma processing workpieces.

Innovation Solution

A tool and machine tool system that integrates a standardized connection for numerically controlled machines, a fluid guide for plasma or fluid streams, and a wireless inductive power supply, allowing conventional machine tools to perform plasma processing with selective fluid supply and cleaning, enabling easy implementation of plasma machining methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual guidance of plasma tool is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but machining precision becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidmachining precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the plasma processing tool with a numerically controlled machine tool system, combining the flexibility of plasma processing with the precision of automated numerical control. The tool is integrated into a standardized machine tool interface, allowing computer-controlled movement while maintaining plasma processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical guidance with a numerically controlled system that uses automated mechanisms and computer algorithms to position and move the plasma tool, thereby achieving high machining precision while eliminating manual operation limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate machine for plasma processing is provided, then plasma processing capability is achieved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplasma processing capabilityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes conventional machine tools multi-functional by integrating plasma processing capabilities into existing equipment. The machine tool can switch between traditional mechanical processing and plasma processing modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated plasma processing machines and reducing overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines plasma processing functionality with conventional machine tool structures, merging two previously separate systems into one integrated platform. This reduces the total number of machines needed and lowers investment costs while maintaining both mechanical and plasma processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If conventional machine tool structures are used for plasma processing, then cost is reduced, but fluid supply compatibility must be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidfluid supply compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adapts conventional machine tool fluid supply systems to serve dual purposes: traditional coolant/lubricant delivery and plasma process gas supply. The existing fluid conduits and delivery mechanisms are configured to handle different fluid types, maintaining system simplicity while achieving plasma processing compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies operational parameters of existing fluid supply systems, such as pressure, flow rate, and fluid composition, to accommodate plasma process requirements. The system can adjust these parameters dynamically to switch between different processing modes without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables precise and cost-effective plasma processing of workpieces using conventional machine tools, allowing for automatic tool management and reduced operational expenses by leveraging existing structures and control algorithms.

Implementation Method 1

A wireless inductive power supply is provided

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive power supply: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a plasma generator, which is connected to the process gas connection and the plasma guide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlasma generation: Plasma

Data Source

PatentEP2918147B8Plasma tool, machine tool, machining method
Publication Date: 2017.08.23 SAUER ULTRASONIC

AI summary

The invention relates to a tool (10) for machining a tool in a machining machine, comprising, when the machine-side is in operation, a preferably standardised connection area (11) for connecting the tool to a digitally controlled machine tool (30), a plasma guide line (44) for guiding a generated plasma, and an outlet area (13) on the tool-side when the tool is in operation, on the end of the plasma guide line (44), said outlet area comprising one or several plasma outlets (22) for guiding the plasma to the tool surface.