Wire Electrode Guide Pipe Using Gas-Liquid Flow to Prevent Buckling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wire electric discharge machining apparatuses face issues with conveying fine wire electrodes, as the belt transfer method applies excessive load, leading to disconnection and deviation, while the fluid transfer method risks the wire electrode sticking or buckling due to guide pipe design limitations, especially when the movement path changes.
Innovation Solution
A wire electric discharge machining apparatus with a guide pipe having antistatic properties, using a gas-liquid mixed fluid to convey the wire electrode, which reduces sticking and buckling risks, and allows the guide pipe to be installed without penetrating the machining tank wall, eliminating the need for a sealing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a belt conveyor is used to convey the wire electrode, then the wire electrode can be transmitted by friction, but the load applied to the wire electrode increases and disconnection or wrapping is likely to occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical belt friction transmission system with a fluid-based conveyance system. The wire electrode is conveyed by the flow of machining fluid itself, eliminating the need for contact with belt surfaces and the associated friction forces that cause wrapping and disconnection. The fluid flow gently carries the wire electrode through the machining area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles by using the machining fluid flow to convey the wire electrode. The fluid acts as a conveying medium that transports the wire electrode from the wire guide to the collection device without mechanical contact, reducing stress and preventing damage to the wire electrode.
2Productivity
If a guide pipe filled with high-pressure fluid is used to feed the wire electrode, then the wire electrode can be suctioned and fed, but the wire electrode may stick to the inner surface of the guide pipe and become unable to move
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter of the fluid by introducing compressed air into the machining fluid to create bubbles. This forms a gas-liquid mixed fluid with lower density and reduced adhesion properties, allowing the wire electrode to move smoothly through the guide pipe without sticking to the inner surface while maintaining conveyance speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces phase transition by mixing gas (air) into the liquid (machining fluid) to create a two-phase gas-liquid mixed fluid. The bubbles in the mixed fluid reduce the fluid's adhesion to the wire electrode surface, preventing sticking while maintaining the fluid's ability to convey the wire electrode through the guide pipe.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the guide pipe is installed to penetrate the machining tank wall, then the wire electrode movement path can be secured, but a sealing device is required and the configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the guide pipe from the machining tank interior and relocates it to the exterior. The guide pipe is positioned to extend from above the machining tank, allowing the wire electrode to be conveyed outside the tank without penetrating the tank wall. This eliminates the need for sealing devices while maintaining a stable and secure wire electrode movement path.
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 apparatus effectively conveys fine wire electrodes without disconnection or buckling, even when the movement path changes, ensuring reliable capture by the winding device and simplifying the apparatus configuration by removing the need for a sealing device.
Implementation Method 1
a first communication path allowing the wire electrode and a gas-liquid mixed fluid in which a gas and a machining fluid are mixed to pass therethrough
Implementation Method 2
a suction device, connected to the first discharge path and discharging the gas-liquid mixed fluid from the first discharge path
Data Source
AI summary
A guide pipe provided along a movement path of a wire electrode between a direction change pulley and a winding device and guiding the wire electrode has antistatic properties. A gas-liquid mixed fluid is supplied into the guide pipe. A suction nozzle passes between a pair of rollers of the winding device and is directly or indirectly connected to an outlet side of the guide pipe. The suction nozzle suctions the gas-liquid mixed fluid in the guide pipe and a tip of the wire electrode by a suction device and captures the wire electrode. The captured wire electrode is wound by the winding device.