Suction Hood Groove Structure for Machining Chip Containment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Machining chips exit the machining center opening at high speeds, lifting strips and posing a risk of injury and reducing cleanliness and productivity due to the inability of existing suction systems to effectively capture all chips.
Innovation Solution
A working group comprising a rotating working tool and a suction hood with grooves that slow down machining chips, allowing them to enter and be redirected away from the exit path, reducing the number of chips that escape the machining center.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If strips are used to close the opening of the machining center, then machining chips are prevented from exiting, but high-speed chips lift the strips and exit anyway
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible curtain is introduced as an intermediary element between the strips and the high-speed machining chips. The curtain absorbs the impact of chips traveling at up to 70 meters per second, preventing strip damage while maintaining effective coverage. The curtain acts as a sacrificial mediator that protects the permanent strip structure from chip-induced damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution changes the physical parameters of the opening coverage by adding a flexible, chip-resistant curtain layer with different mechanical properties than the rigid strips. This multi-layer approach with varying material properties allows the system to withstand high-speed chip impact while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
2Productivity
If a suction hood is used to remove machining chips, then chip removal is improved, but many chips still escape through the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The chip management system is segmented into multiple functional zones: the suction hood for active chip extraction, the flexible curtain for passive chip deflection, and the strips for structural sealing. This segmentation allows each component to address specific aspects of chip control, with the curtain and strips providing redundant protection against chips that escape suction.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible curtain provides beforehand cushioning by being positioned to intercept high-speed chips before they can damage the strips or escape the opening. This preventive measure prepares the system in advance for chip impact, absorbing energy and maintaining the integrity of the opening coverage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If strips are used to prevent chip escape, then chip containment is improved, but chip impact speed lifts the strips
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible curtain serves as a mediator between the high-velocity chips and the strip structure. It absorbs the kinetic energy of chips traveling at up to 70 meters per second through deformation and deflection, preventing direct impact on the strips and maintaining their positional stability for effective chip containment.
4Productivity
If the machining center operates continuously, then productivity is improved, but frequent cleaning interruptions are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The enhanced chip containment system with flexible curtain and improved suction hood enables continuous machining operation by preventing chip accumulation that would otherwise require cleaning interruptions. The system maintains effective chip removal and containment throughout extended operation, sustaining productivity without periodic downtime for maintenance.
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
Significantly reduces the number of machining chips that exit the machining center, enhancing cleanliness and productivity by channeling more chips into the suction system and reducing the need for frequent cleaning interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
a suction hood for removing machining chips by suction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a working group (1) to be installed on a working head (WH) of a machining center (MC). Said working group comprises a working tool (2) for working a piece (P) configured to rotate around a rotation axis (A), so that the rotation of said working tool (2) on a surface (S) of said piece (P) creates machining chips (F), and a suction hood (3) for removing said machining chips (F), provided with an inlet opening (31) to allow a quantity of machining chips (F) to enter the suction hood (3). The suction hood (3) comprises at least one groove (33) to receive a further quantity of machining chips (F).