Tool Holder Coolant Sealing via Convex Guiding Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for holding tools in cutting processing machines face challenges with coolant sealing, particularly at high pressures, due to the use of soft seals which compromise location accuracy and are maintenance-intensive.
Innovation Solution
The device employs convex semi-circular guiding elements with flattened or widened regions for secure sealing between coolant channels, eliminating the need for external coolant lines and soft seals, allowing operation at high pressures up to 200 bar with enhanced location accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If soft seals are used to seal the coolant transfer region, then sealing is achieved at low and average coolant pressures, but the device cannot handle very high coolant pressures and the soft seals negatively affect location accuracy while being maintenance-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the soft seal component entirely from the system. Instead of using flexible sealing elements, the invention creates a rigid, seal-free coolant transfer mechanism where coolant flows through precisely positioned openings in the guiding elements that align when the change holder is mounted on the base holder.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant transfer system is segmented into separate cooling channels in the base holder and change holder, connected through aligned openings in the guiding elements. This segmentation allows each component to maintain its structural integrity and precision while enabling coolant flow through the interface.
2Reliability
If soft seals are used to seal the coolant transfer region, then sealing is achieved, but the soft seals represent a delicate and maintenance-intensive sealing part that is subject to an aging process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the soft seal component entirely, replacing it with a rigid sealing mechanism formed by the guiding elements themselves. The convex semi-circular cross-sections with flattened or widened regions create natural sealing surfaces that prevent coolant leakage without requiring replaceable sealing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, maintenance-intensive soft seals with a permanent, rigid sealing structure integrated into the guiding elements. This eliminates the need for periodic replacement of aging sealing components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coolant outlet openings are provided on the base holder, then coolant transfer is possible, but the other openings have to be sealed with sealing plugs increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding elements serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical guidance for the change holder, ensure precise positioning, and simultaneously act as coolant conduits through their integrated cooling channels and aligned openings. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sealing plugs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the guidance function and coolant transfer function into a single integrated structure. The guiding elements with convex semi-circular cross-sections contain cooling channels that align with corresponding openings, combining mechanical positioning and fluid transport in one component.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for holding tools for machine tools, includes at least one interchangeable holder and one base holder. Each interchangeable holder includes two interchangeable-holder guiding elements which are engaged with base-holder guiding elements of the base holder. Furthermore, each interchangeable holder comprises an interchangeable-holder coolant channel comprising an interchangeable-holder coolant-channel opening in one of the interchangeable-holder guiding elements, which comes into contact with a base-holder coolant-channel opening of a base-holder coolant channel, which is arranged on a base-holder guiding element. First guiding elements—either the interchangeable-holder guiding elements or the base-holder guiding elements—have a convex semicircular cross-section. The cross-section has a flat area containing the vertex of the semicircle, or it has two widened areas which are arranged in mirror symmetry on the semicircle. The guiding elements that engage with the first guiding elements have a concave circular-sector-type cross-section with a central angle of less than 180°.