Tool Holder Helical Channels Prevent Lubricant Segregation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for tool holding face issues with lubricant segregation at higher speeds, leading to inadequate lubrication of tools, increased wear, and higher costs due to the need for lubricant channels and cooling systems.

Innovation Solution

The device features channels with enlarged cross-sections from inlet to outlet, offset configurations, and Laval nozzle outlet openings to prevent segregation, ensuring uniform lubricant distribution and eliminating the need for internal cooling channels, produced through sintering for simplicity and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If channels with constant cross-section are used, then the device structure is simple, but lubricant segregation occurs at higher speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel structureVSAvoidlubricant supply uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the cross-sectional area of the channels along their length. Specifically, the cross-sectional area increases from the inlet to the outlet, which compensates for the centrifugal forces causing segregation at high rotational speeds. This gradual expansion maintains uniform lubricant distribution without requiring complex additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The channel design transitions from a static constant cross-section to a dynamic varying cross-section that adapts to the operational conditions. The expanding geometry allows the channel to dynamically respond to the centrifugal forces generated during high-speed rotation, ensuring consistent lubricant flow distribution throughout the tool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Temperature

If internal cooling channels are added to the tool, then cooling performance is improved, but tool stability decreases and wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool coolingVSAvoidtool stability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cooling function from the tool itself by providing cooling through the device's channels instead. This separates the cooling system from the tool structure, allowing the tool to maintain its structural integrity and stability while still receiving adequate cooling through the externally provided lubricant channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If lubricant channels are integrated into the tool, then lubrication is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubrication qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the lubricant delivery function into the device structure itself rather than requiring separate channels within the tool. The device's walls and structure are formed to incorporate the channels, combining the holding and lubrication delivery functions into a single integrated component that reduces overall manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If channels with enlarged outlet cross-section are used, then lubricant segregation is prevented, but channel complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubricant distribution uniformityVSAvoidchannel geometry
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the cross-sectional area of the channels along their length. The gradual expansion from inlet to outlet is designed to match the centrifugal force distribution, creating an optimized geometry that prevents segregation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through simple expansion ratios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 ensures consistent lubricant supply, reduces tool wear, and lowers costs by preventing lubricant segregation, maintaining tool stability and quality even at high speeds.

Implementation Method 1

the outlet openings of the channels are designed as Laval nozzles, which are directed in the direction of the central axis of the device. By using such a Laval nozzle, the droplets contained in the aerosol are broken up

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaval nozzle: De Laval Nozzle

Implementation Method 2

it can be provided that the device is produced by sintering

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSintering: Sintering

Data Source

PatentEP3122499B1Device for holding a tool
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 HOCHSCHULE FURTWANGEN
  • EP3122499B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3122499B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A device (1) for holding a tool (3) has a cavity (2) for the tool (3) and at least two channels (6) designed to allow the passage of a lubricant, each channel having an inlet opening (7) and an outlet opening (8) for the lubricant. The at least two channels (6) have a cross-section which increases in size from the inlet opening (7) to the outlet opening (8) and run helically around the bore (2).