Spiral Cutting Fluid Tank Layout to Prevent Chip Stagnation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting fluid tanks for machine tools are large due to the use of circulation pumps, which complicates cleaning and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A cutting fluid tank with a spiral-shaped flow channel and a single coolant pump, where the cutting fluid flows from an inflow port to an outflow port without additional circulation pumps, using nozzles and a tilted plate to accelerate and direct the flow, reducing stagnation and chip accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If circulation pumps are used to transfer cutting fluid, then the cutting fluid can be transferred effectively, but the tank size increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the circulation pump from the system entirely, extracting the problematic component that caused increased tank size and complexity. Instead of using a pump to transfer cutting fluid, the design relies on natural flow dynamics through the spiral channel to achieve the same function without the additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting fluid system becomes self-service by using the spiral flow channel to naturally guide and transfer the cutting fluid from the inlet to the outlet without requiring external pumping assistance. The geometry of the spiral channel itself provides the flow direction and velocity necessary for effective cutting fluid circulation.
2Productivity
If circulation pumps are used to transfer cutting fluid, then the cutting fluid can be transferred effectively, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the circulation pump from the system entirely, extracting the problematic component that caused increased device complexity. The system is simplified to use only the spiral flow channel geometry to achieve cutting fluid transfer, eliminating the need for complex pump mechanisms and associated controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting fluid system becomes self-service by using the spiral flow channel to naturally guide and transfer the cutting fluid from the inlet to the outlet without requiring external pumping assistance. The geometry of the spiral channel itself provides the flow direction and velocity necessary for effective cutting fluid circulation.
3Volume of moving object
If the tank is placed under the machine tool to save space, then space is saved, but cleaning becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tank into an upper removable lid portion and a lower body portion. The lid can be easily removed to provide access to the interior of the tank for cleaning operations, while the body can remain in place under the machine tool. This segmentation allows the tank to maintain its space-saving position while enabling easy cleaning access.
4Volume of moving object
If the spiral flow channel is used without circulation pumps, then tank size is reduced, but chip accumulation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a spiral (curved) flow channel design that guides the cutting fluid in a rotating motion from the inlet to the outlet. This curved path creates centrifugal forces and continuous flow dynamics that prevent chips from settling and accumulating in dead zones, while still allowing the tank to be compact in size.
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 design reduces operator effort and maintenance time by preventing chip stagnation and accumulation, maintaining tank size without additional pumps, enhancing maintainability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a cutting fluid flow channel having a spiral shape and extending from a tank center region to a tank outer peripheral region is formed by a flow channel forming plate
Implementation Method 2
a pump to pump up and supply the cutting fluid to the machining chamber is provided at the outflow port
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a cutting fluid tank for a machine tool, with which the operator's time and effort for cleaning are reduced and the maintainability is enhanced, without entailing an increase in size. In a tank body, a cutting fluid flow channel having a spiral shape and extending from a tank center region to a tank outer peripheral region is formed by a flow channel forming plate. An inflow port into which a cutting fluid from inside a machining chamber flows is provided at an outer peripheral region of the lid, whereas an outflow port to take out the cutting fluid in the tank body to an outside is provided at a center region of the lid. A pump to pump up and supply the cutting fluid to the machining chamber is provided at the outflow port.