Wire EDM Water Supply Paths for Faster Resistivity Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The addition of tap water to the working fluid in an electric discharge machine decreases its resistivity value, necessitating a circulation process between a clean water tank and an ion exchange resin to increase resistivity, which prolongs the time before machining can start.
Innovation Solution
A water supply device with separate paths for supplying water to a clean water tank and an ion exchange unit, along with control mechanisms to manage valve openings based on resistivity and liquid levels, allowing for quicker resistivity adjustment of the working fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If tap water is added to the working fluid, then the working fluid level is replenished, but the resistivity value of the working fluid decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply system is segmented into two independent paths: a first water supply path that supplies water to the clean water tank or work pan, and a second water supply path that supplies water directly to the ion exchange unit. This segmentation allows selective water supply to different components, enabling rapid resistivity adjustment by directing water to the ion exchange unit without disrupting the overall working fluid level maintenance
2Reliability
If the working fluid is circulated between the clean water tank and the ion exchange resin, then the resistivity value increases, but the time required before machining can start increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by maintaining a reserve of clean water in the clean water tank at all times. When water needs to be added to the working fluid, the system can immediately supply clean water to the ion exchange unit without waiting for the circulation process to complete, thereby reducing the time before machining can start while still achieving the required resistivity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The ion exchange unit acts as an intermediary that rapidly adjusts the resistivity of supplied water. By directing water through the ion exchange unit, the system achieves quick resistivity adjustment without requiring prolonged circulation between the clean water tank and ion exchange resin, thus reducing the time before machining can start
3Device complexity
If a single water supply path is used, then the device structure is simple, but the control flexibility for resistivity adjustment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply system is divided into two independent paths with separate control valves: the first water supply path with a first valve for general water supply, and the second water supply path with a second valve for rapid resistivity adjustment. This segmentation provides control flexibility by allowing selective operation of each path based on whether the priority is maintaining fluid level or adjusting resistivity, while the overall structure remains relatively simple
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 shortens the time required to increase the resistivity of the working fluid to a predetermined value by directly supplying water to the ion exchange unit and managing valve operations effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a second water supply path configured to supply water from the outside of the electric discharge machine to an ion exchange unit including an ion exchange resin provided in the electric discharge machine
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a water supplying device automatically supplies water to a wire discharge working machine, and includes: a first water supplying path for supplying water from outside of the wire discharge working machine to a pure water tank of the wire discharge working machine; a first valve for opening/closing the first water supply path; a second water supplying path for supplying water from outside of the wire discharge working machine to an ion exchange unit; a second valve for opening/closing the second water supply path; and a circulation path for sending a working liquid from the ion exchange unit to the pure water tank.