Ultrasonic Window Plate Structures for Clearing Cutting Fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tool window designs face challenges in clearing cutting fluid, which obstructs the operator's view due to the complexity, size, and weight of rotating disk solutions, and the inefficiency of ultrasonic wave applications in effectively removing fluid from plate surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing ultrasonic waves generated by transducers coupled to a plate, with strategically configured structures to control wave propagation, absorption, and reflection, allowing for efficient clearance of fluid droplets by atomization, propulsion, or vibration, and incorporating structures like absorbing and amplifying edges to optimize wave energy distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rotating disk is used to clear cutting fluid from the window, then fluid clearance is achieved, but the window becomes small, heavy and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating disk system with an ultrasonic wave generation system. Transducers coupled to the window plate generate ultrasonic waves that propagate through the plate to clear cutting fluid, eliminating motors, rotating disks, and complex mechanical components while achieving effective fluid clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fluid clearance function from a separate mechanical rotating disk system and integrates it directly into the window plate itself through ultrasonic transducers. The window plate becomes both the viewing surface and the ultrasonic wave generation medium, simplifying the overall structure.
2Device complexity
If ultrasonic waves are applied to clear fluid from the plate, then device complexity is reduced, but wave energy distribution may be uneven without proper structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces local structural variations into the window plate, including discontinuities, absorbing structures at specific edges, and amplifying structures. These localized features modify ultrasonic wave propagation in specific regions to achieve uniform energy distribution across the entire window surface, preventing standing waves and hot spots.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies physical parameters of the window plate structure, such as introducing discontinuities that change acoustic impedance, adding absorbing structures that alter wave attenuation characteristics, and creating amplifying structures that modify vibration amplitudes. These parameter changes optimize ultrasonic wave energy distribution for effective fluid clearance.
3Area of stationary object
If the window is made larger to improve visibility, then operator view is enhanced, but fluid accumulation becomes more problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fluid removal methods with ultrasonic wave propagation through the window plate. This allows larger window areas to be effectively cleared of cutting fluid, as ultrasonic waves can propagate across the entire plate surface to atomize and remove fluid droplets, maintaining visibility across large viewing areas.
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 approach enables effective and efficient removal of cutting fluid from machine tool windows, improving visibility and simplifying window design by using ultrasonic waves to clear fluid without the need for complex rotating mechanisms, allowing for larger and more straightforward window implementations.
Implementation Method 1
one or more transducers coupled to a plate, each operable to generate ultrasonic waves which propagate through the plate
Implementation Method 2
The one or more structures is configured to scatter, absorb, and/or reflect at least some ultrasonic wave energy incident on the one or more structures
Implementation Method 3
The one or more structures is configured to scatter, absorb, and/or reflect at least some ultrasonic wave energy incident on the one or more structures
Implementation Method 4
The one or more structures is configured to scatter, absorb, and/or reflect at least some ultrasonic wave energy incident on the one or more structures
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C(ii)
Figure 2D~2E
AI summary
A system comprises a plate (235) and one or more transducers (200) coupled to the plate (235). Each of the one or more transducers (200) is operable to generate ultrasonic waves which propagate through the plate (235) in a propagation direction (240), for ultrasonically clearing droplets (250) of fluid from the plate (235). The plate (235) comprises one or more structures disposed in the path of ultrasonic waves and configured to control the propagation of ultrasonic waves in the plate (235) to achieve a predetermined amount of ultrasonic wave energy propagating in a direction opposite to the propagation direction (240). The value of one or more parameters of the shape of each of the one or more structures is predetermined to achieve a predetermined effect on ultrasonic waves incident on the structure.