Tool Holder Mixing Chamber for Minimum Volume Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cutting machine tools, the use of oil mist for minimum quantity lubrication can lead to uneven distribution of lubricant, resulting in reduced effectiveness due to 'bleeding' of the liquid-gas mixture, where part of the oil-air mixture gets onto channel and bore walls and is no longer available uniformly at the tool cutting edges.
Innovation Solution
A mixing chamber is integrated into the tool holder, where a container filled with lubricating and/or cooling liquid is sealed and opened by the pressure of the liquid/gas mixture, ensuring a controlled addition of the liquid to the aerosol stream, maintaining a consistent lubricant saturation at the machining point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If compressed air is added to the liquid to create oil mist for minimum quantity lubrication, then the liquid content can be reduced to a minimum amount per unit of time, but part of the oil-air mixture gets onto the channel and bore walls and is eliminated in dead water zones, resulting in uneven distribution and reduced effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into multiple independent channels (first channel for liquid-gas mixture, second channel for additional liquid) that can operate independently. This allows the liquid to be delivered through separate pathways, ensuring that the liquid component can reach the cutting point reliably even when the aerosol distribution is uneven.
Solution Approach 2:
A second liquid supply line acts as an intermediary mechanism to supplement the liquid content. When the aerosol's liquid portion is insufficient due to bleeding losses, this intermediary liquid supply directly compensates for the deficiency, maintaining reliable lubrication effectiveness.
2Productivity
If the liquid-gas mixture is supplied through channels and bores, then the system achieves minimum quantity lubrication, but the liquid-gas mixture bleeds onto channel and bore walls and is no longer available uniformly at the tool cutting edges
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the delivery system have different functions: the first channel delivers the liquid-gas mixture while the second channel specifically targets liquid supplementation. This local differentiation ensures that areas with poor aerosol distribution (channel walls, dead zones) receive additional liquid directly, compensating for the non-uniform distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of liquid delivery by introducing a separate liquid supply line that can independently control liquid flow. This allows the liquid content parameter to be adjusted and maintained at optimal levels at the cutting point, regardless of variations in aerosol distribution.
3Ease of operation
If a container filled with lubricating liquid is sealed and opened by pressure, then controlled addition of liquid to the aerosol stream is achieved, but the system complexity increases with additional valves and pressure control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed to open automatically when the liquid-gas mixture pressure reaches a certain level. The system serves itself by using the incoming pressure to trigger the liquid release, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms, sensors, or complex valve actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure of the incoming liquid-gas mixture itself is utilized to open the container and control liquid flow. This pneumatic/hydraulic self-actuation mechanism replaces complex mechanical or electronic control systems, achieving controlled liquid addition through fluid pressure alone.
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 lubrication by counteracting 'bleeding' and maintaining a minimum quantity lubrication system, where the liquid content is maintained within the desired range, ensuring effective lubrication and cooling at the cutting point.
Implementation Method 1
If the liquid is then atomized in a nozzle and compressed air is fed into a mixing zone, an oil mist with e.g. micrometer-sized oil droplets can form.
Implementation Method 2
A container filled with lubricating and/or cooling liquid is arranged in the housing, the liquid supply lines of which, which can be opened by the pressure of the liquid/gas mixture, end in or in front of the mixing chamber or mixing zone.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an exchange assembly having a tool holder which holds tools, is supported in a housing and driven by a drive, wherein parts of the drive, parts of the tool holder, and the tool itself comprise channels or holes for transporting a pressurized cooling and/or lubricating liquid-gas mixture. A mixing chamber is disposed in or upstream of the tool holder, into which the liquid-gas mixture feed line opens. A container filled with lubricant and/or coolant is present in the housing, the liquid inlet lines thereof - opened by the pressure of the liquid-gas mixture - ending in or upstream of the mixing chamber. The present invention develops an exchange assembly and a method for minimum volume lubrication of the tool-side cutting point, wherein the liquid-gas mixture does not fall below a certain lubricant saturation at the cutting point.