Vibrating Coolant Recapture Filtration for Material Removal Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional material removal machines generate debris and heat, leading to inefficient coolant usage and filtration challenges, as existing systems struggle to effectively recapture, recirculate, and filter coolant fluids.
Innovation Solution
A material removal system incorporating a recirculation tank with a recapture reservoir and a filtering surface, where a vibration device is used to reduce obstruction and increase compaction of particulates within the recirculation system, allowing for continuous coolant recirculation and filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional filtration systems are used to remove debris from coolant, then coolant can be recirculated, but filters become clogged frequently requiring maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
A vibration device is coupled to the filtering surface to generate mechanical vibrations that prevent particulates from obstructing the filter pores. The vibrations keep the filtering surface clear by dislodging accumulated debris, thereby maintaining continuous coolant flow through the filter without requiring frequent maintenance or shutdowns.
2Reliability
If filtration systems operate continuously to maintain coolant quality, then coolant remains effective, but filter obstruction reduces flow efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration device is activated during filtration operations to maintain pore clarity continuously. This ensures that the filtering surface remains effective at removing particulates from the coolant while preventing obstruction that would reduce flow efficiency or require system shutdowns for maintenance.
3Productivity
If vibration device is applied to filtering surface, then particulate obstruction is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration device generates mechanical vibrations at frequencies and amplitudes sufficient to prevent particulate accumulation on the filtering surface. The energy input is continuous but low-level, maintaining filter efficiency without requiring high energy consumption that would outweigh the benefits of improved filtration.
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 system efficiently recaptures and recirculates coolant, reducing the frequency of filter clogging and maintenance, while maintaining coolant quality and extending the system's operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration device configured to vibrate at least a portion of the recirculation system, so as to reduce obstruction of the recirculation system or increase compaction of within the recirculation system
Implementation Method 2
a filtering surface configured to filter fluid within the recirculation system
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, and/or methods for filtering, recapture, and/or recirculation of coolant are disclosed. In some examples, coolant (e.g., coolant fluid) is used to cool and/or clean a machine, such as a material removal machine, for example. In some examples, a recirculation tank may be in fluid communication with an inlet and/or outlet of a cabinet (and/or housing) of the machine. The recirculation tank may include a recapture reservoir having a filtering surface configured to prevent particulates, debris, and/or swarf from being recirculated with the coolant. A vibration device (e.g., a vibration motor and/or vibrating actuator), may be in contact with and/or configured to vibrate (and/or shake, rattle, oscillate, etc.) the filtering surface, recapture reservoir, and/or recirculation tank so as to keep the filter free from obstruction and/or help settle and/or compact filtered particulates in a bottom of the recapture reservoir and/or recirculation tank.