Spindle-Mounted Chip Removal Using Coolant-Actuated Fluid Channels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manual removal of chips from part surfaces during machining operations interrupts production processes, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for operator intervention during inspection and machining routines.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool chip removal device that utilizes machine tool fluid supply, such as coolant, to automate chip removal by directing pressurized fluid through a system of channels and valves actuated by fluid pressure and spindle rotational speed, allowing for controlled and efficient chip clearance from part surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual chip removal is performed by operators using compressed air, then chips are removed from part surfaces, but production process is interrupted and operator intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service chip removal by integrating an automated chip removal device that uses pressurized fluid from the machine tool's own coolant supply system. The device automatically directs fluid through channels and valves to blow chips from part surfaces without requiring operator intervention, making the system service itself during machining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic principles by employing pressurized fluid (coolant) delivered through fluid delivery channels and valves. The high-pressure fluid stream acts as a pneumatic force to blow chips off part surfaces and from recesses, replacing manual compressed air operations with an integrated hydraulic/pneumatic system.
2Productivity
If automated chip removal using machine tool fluid supply is implemented, then production efficiency is enhanced and operator intervention is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chip removal device is designed with multi-functionality by utilizing the machine tool's existing fluid supply system for both cooling and chip removal purposes. The same coolant supply serves dual functions, reducing the need for separate automated chip removal equipment and thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the chip removal function with the existing coolant delivery system of the machine tool. By combining these functions and using shared fluid supply infrastructure, the system achieves automation without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the chip removal capability is integrated into the already-present cooling infrastructure.
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 automated chip removal system reduces operator intervention, enhances production efficiency, and ensures consistent chip removal from complex geometries like holes, thereby minimizing process interruptions and improving overall manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
directing fluid onto the workpiece in one or more directions by varying at least one of fluid pressure and rotational speed
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool chip removal device including a coupling interface to couple with a rotatable spindle of a machine tool to facilitate rotation of the machine tool chip removal device about an axis at a rotational speed. The chip removal device can also include a main fluid channel with an opening to receive pressurized fluid from the machine tool. The chip removal device can further include a first fluid delivery channel and a second fluid delivery channel to direct fluid in different directions. Each fluid delivery channel can be in fluid communication with the main fluid channel. In addition, the chip removal device can include one or more valves associated with the first and second fluid delivery channels to selectively allow fluid passage from the main fluid channel to the fluid delivery channels. The one or more valves can be actuated by varying fluid pressure and/or rotational speed.