Tool Holding Apparatus with Multi-Channel Solution Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional machining systems for electromachining lack efficient flow rate control of the machining solution, leading to inefficient material removal and reduced tool life due to the use of a single nozzle without flow rate management.

Innovation Solution

A tool holding apparatus with multiple nozzles and controlled flow rate channels is integrated into the machining system, allowing for the machining solution to be dispensed along the length of the cutting tool, ensuring continuous solution flow and adjustable flow rates to optimize material removal and extend tool life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single nozzle is used to dispense machining solution, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and material removal efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle configurationVSAvoidmaterial removal efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The single nozzle is segmented into multiple nozzles (first nozzle and second nozzle) that are positioned at different locations along the cutting tool. This segmentation allows the machining solution to be dispensed at multiple points simultaneously, improving material removal efficiency while maintaining manageable device complexity through a modular configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The machining solution delivery system transitions from a single-point (one-dimensional) nozzle to a multi-point distributed nozzle arrangement along the length of the cutting tool. This dimensional expansion enables simultaneous flushing at multiple locations, significantly enhancing productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If flow rate control is not implemented, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and tool life deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow rate control mechanismVSAvoidmaterial removal efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates adjustable flow rate control that allows dynamic optimization of machining solution flow. The flow rate can be adjusted to match different machining conditions and tool positions, ensuring optimal material removal efficiency while preventing excessive flow that would increase system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flow rate parameter of the machining solution is made adjustable and controllable. By optimizing this parameter, the system achieves improved material removal efficiency and extended tool life without requiring complex additional mechanisms, as the flow rate can be tuned to match specific machining requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If machining solution is not continuously supplied, then the device complexity is reduced, but the tool life deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolution supply systemVSAvoidcutting tool life
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system ensures continuous supply of machining solution to the cutting tool through multiple nozzles positioned along its length. This continuous flushing action removes debris and prevents overheating throughout the entire tool, extending tool life without requiring complex additional supply mechanisms by utilizing the existing solution delivery infrastructure more effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

The solution enhances the efficiency of material removal and extends the machining tool's lifespan by providing a consistent and controlled flow of machining solution, improving the overall machining process and reducing tool replacement frequency.

Implementation Method 1

a first channel (1336) configured to release the machining solution (19) onto a first section (A-B) of the cutting tool (14) and a second channel (1336) configured to release the machining solution (19) onto a second section (B-C) of the cutting tool (14)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentEP2944410B1Machining system
Publication Date: 2020.10.21 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP2944410B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2944410B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2944410B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A machining system 10 for electromachining a workpiece 101 that in one embodiment includes a machine tool 11, a cutting tool 14 for performing the eletromachining, and a tool holding apparatus 13 for conductively holding the cutting tool 14 and coupled to the machine tool 11. The tool holding apparatus 13 includes a holding element 132 for holding the cutting tool 14 and at least one solution releasing element 133. The solution releasing element 133 is used to receive machining solution 19 and release the machining solution 19 onto a predetermined area of the cutting tool 14 through at least one group of channels 1336. Each group of channels 1336 includes at least two channels configured to respectively release the machining solution 19 onto at least two adjacent sections in the predetermined area of the cutting tool 14.