Spindle-Coupled Chip Removal with Speed-Actuated Fluid Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual removal of chips from part surfaces during machining operations interrupts production processes, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to operator intervention in inspection and machining routines.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool chip removal device utilizing machine tool fluid supply, such as coolant, to automate chip removal, featuring a coupling interface with a rotatable spindle, multiple fluid delivery channels, and valves actuated by fluid pressure and rotational speed to direct fluid for effective chip clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual chip removal is performed by operators using compressed air, then chips are removed from part surfaces, but production is interrupted and operator involvement increases costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service chip removal by integrating a chip blowing device that automatically removes chips from part surfaces without requiring operator intervention. The device uses compressed air delivered through a flexible conduit to autonomously clear chips during machining operations, allowing the system to service itself and maintain continuous production.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible conduit acts as an intermediary element that delivers compressed air from the air supply to the chip blowing location. This intermediary mechanism enables automated chip removal by transferring the blowing action remotely, eliminating the need for direct operator contact with the part surface while maintaining effective chip clearance.
2Reliability
If operator intervention is used for chip removal, then chips are cleared from surfaces, but inspection routines are interrupted and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chip blowing device performs self-service chip removal during inspection routines, eliminating the need for operator intervention. The system automatically clears chips from part surfaces using compressed air delivered through the flexible conduit, ensuring continuous inspection operations without interruption while maintaining simple integration with existing machinery.
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 enhances manufacturing efficiency by eliminating operator involvement, ensuring continuous operation and reducing production costs by effectively clearing chips from part surfaces using pressurized fluid delivery.
Implementation Method 1
A machine tool chip removal device utilizes machine tool fluid supply (e.g., coolant) to provide an automated chip removal solution
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.