Temperature control in machine tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control systems for machine tools face challenges in maintaining precise thermal stability, particularly in active areas like tool spindles and hydrostatic bearings, due to limitations in fluid temperature control, leading to potential dimensional instability and heat distortion.
Innovation Solution
The use of a thermoelectric temperature control assembly with a two-dimensional array of Peltier devices, integrated with a thermal exchanger and a stabilizing chamber, to maintain fluid temperature stability within ±0.005°C, capable of operating under high pressures and accommodating varying temperature differentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional heat exchangers and chiller systems are used to control fluid temperature, then temperature control capability is provided, but the system becomes large and adds to the machine tool footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical heat exchangers and chiller systems with thermoelectric temperature control devices (solid-state Peltier devices). This substitution eliminates the need for large mechanical cooling components, thereby reducing the machine tool footprint while maintaining temperature control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and control parameters by using solid-state thermoelectric devices instead of fluid-based heat exchanger systems. This parameter change enables compact integration while achieving the required temperature stability of ±0.005°C or better.
2Volume of moving object
If thermoelectric temperature control devices are used, then the system becomes compact and response time is reduced, but the temperature differential handling capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature control function into multiple thermoelectric devices arranged in series or parallel configurations. By stacking multiple devices, the system can handle larger temperature differentials while maintaining the compact form factor and fast response characteristics of individual thermoelectric elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the temperature control capability into the vertical dimension by stacking thermoelectric devices in multiple layers. This dimensional approach allows the compact assembly to achieve both large temperature differential handling and rapid thermal response simultaneously.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fluid temperature is lowered below working temperature and heat is added to trim, then temperature stability is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the thermoelectric devices to directly maintain fluid temperature at the desired setpoint without requiring external chilling infrastructure. The solid-state devices self-regulate temperature by switching current direction and magnitude, eliminating the need for complex two-stage temperature control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements precise feedback control through temperature sensors that continuously monitor fluid temperature and adjust thermoelectric device output accordingly. This feedback mechanism achieves ±0.005°C stability while keeping the control system relatively simple through direct electronic regulation.
4Reliability
If thermoelectric devices are used instead of mechanical systems, then reliability is improved due to no moving parts, but the thermal mass increases which may slow response time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thermal mass distribution by using small, localized thermoelectric devices positioned directly at the fluid control points. This local quality approach minimizes the thermal mass that must be heated or cooled, maintaining fast response times while achieving the reliability benefits of solid-state technology.
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
This solution provides reliable, compact, and efficient temperature control, minimizing thermal transients and maintaining precise fluid temperature stability, thus enhancing the dimensional accuracy and stability of machine tools.
Implementation Method 1
The use of one or more thermoelectric temperature control devices (that is, devices designed to use the thermoelectric or 'Peltier' effect) in the temperature control assembly
Implementation Method 2
The temperature control assembly may comprise a thermal exchanger which forms part of a fluid path between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A fluid temperature control apparatus in combination with a machine tool (42), wherein the apparatus is arranged to adjust the temperature of a fluid being supplied to the machine tool. The apparatus comprises a temperature control assembly (40) for adjusting the temperature of the fluid as it passes through the assembly. The assembly comprises at least one thermoelectric temperature control device (48, 50).