Claims:CLAIMS:
We Claim:
1. A smart coolant system for computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines, comprising:
plurality of fluid tanks configured to store plurality of fluids;
at least one blending tank connected to the plurality of fluid tanks to receive at least one fluid of determined quantity, blend the received fluids and prepare at least one coolant;
a controller configured to:
identify multiple machine operating parameters,
determine the at least one coolant along with corresponding dispensing quantity based on the identified multiple machine operating parameters, and
control at least one fluid tank and the at least one blending tank for preparing and dispensing the at least one coolant with the determined dispensing quantity to at least one operation tool; and
whereby the smart coolant system increases the operation tool life of CNC machines by preparing and releasing the at least one desired coolant with desired quantity.
2. The smart coolant system for CNC machines as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller comprises:
a parameter detecting module configured to identify the multiple machine operating parameters;
a coolant determining module configured to determine the at least one coolant with corresponding dispensing quantity based on the identified multiple machine operating parameters;
a fluid activating module configured to determine a quantity of the at least one fluid based on the at least one determined coolant with the corresponding dispensing quantity, and activate at least one fluid-controlled valve connected to the at least one fluid tank to release the determined quantity of the at least one fluid into the at least one blending tank; and
a dispensing module configured to activate a blender and a coolant-controlled valve of the at least one blending tank, and wherein the blender is configured to mix the received fluids for preparing the at least one coolant, and wherein the coolant-controlled valve is configured for releasing and dispensing the at least one prepared coolant with the determined dispensing quantity to the at least one operation tool.
3. The smart coolant system for CNC machines as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one fluid comprises a coolant raw material such as mineral oil, mineral water, coupling agent etc.
4. The smart coolant system for CNC machines as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multiple machine operating parameters comprise at least one of an operation tool material, tool dimensions, a manufacturing product material, manufacturing time, type of machining operation, operation length, and CNC machine capacity.
5. The smart coolant system for CNC machines as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one coolant comprises at least one of soluble oil, cutting oil, and synthetic oil for various CNC machinery operations.
6. The smart coolant system for CNC machines as claimed in claim 5, wherein said CNC machinery operations comprise at least one of lathe operation, drilling operation, shaping operation, cutting machinery operation, and grinding operation.
7. A method to prepare a coolant for CNC machines, comprising:
storing plurality of fluids in plurality of fluid tanks;
connecting at least one blending tank to the plurality of fluid tanks;
identifying multiple machine operating parameters;
determining the at least one coolant along with corresponding dispensing quantity based on the identified multiple machine operating parameters;
controlling at least one fluid tank and the at least one blending tank for preparing and dispensing the at least one coolant with the determined dispensing quantity to at least one operation tool; and
whereby the smart coolant system increases the operation tool life of the CNC machines by preparing and releasing the at least one desired coolant with desired quantity.
8. The method to prepare a coolant for CNC machines as claimed in claim 7, wherein the controller comprising:
identifying the multiple machine operating parameters, by using a parameter detecting module;
determining the at least one coolant with corresponding dispensing quantity based on the identified multiple machine operating parameters, by using a coolant determining module;
determining a quantity of the at least one fluid based on the at least one determined coolant with the corresponding dispensing quantity, and activating at least one fluid-controlled valve which is connected to the at least one fluid tank to release the determined quantity of the at least one fluid into the at least one blending tank, by using a fluid activating module; and
activating a blender and a coolant-controlled valve of the at least one blending tank, by using a dispensing module, and wherein the blender is configured to mix the received fluids for preparing the at least one coolant, and wherein the coolant-controlled valve is configured for releasing and dispensing the at least one prepared coolant with the determined dispensing quantity to the at least one operation tool.
9. The method to prepare a coolant for CNC machines as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one fluid comprises a coolant raw material such as mineral oil, mineral water, coupling agent etc., and wherein the at least one coolant comprises at least one of soluble oil, cutting oil, and synthetic oil for various CNC machinery operations, and wherein the CNC machinery operations comprise at least one of lathe operation, drilling operation, shaping operation, cutting machinery operation, and grinding operation.
10. The method to prepare a coolant for CNC machines as claimed in claim 7, wherein the multiple machine operating parameters comprise at least one of an operation tool material, tool dimensions, a manufacturing product material, manufacturing time, type of machining operation, operation length, and CNC machine capacity. , Description:DESCRIPTION:
Field of Invention:

[0001] The present invention generally relates to coolant systems for computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines. More specifically, the invention relates to a smart coolant system and method that prepares and delivers suitable coolants to required operation tool based on the machining operation parameters.

Background of the invention:

[0002] In general, the manufacturing industry relies on computer numerical controlled (CNC) machining tools and operations, particularly in the fabrication of metal components. The CNC lathe machines automate the manufacturing process by implementing computer generated designs and directives.

[0003] The CNC machines are faster, efficient to use and minimize human control and supervision. The CNC machines comprise multiple tools and continuous working of the tools produces heat that may hamper the tool productivity, life, and part quality. Hence, various coolant delivery systems are employed to cool the working or machining zones.

[0004] The coolant delivery systems employ some method of delivering coolant to the tools to remove heat and provide lubrication. The coolants allow the machine tools to operate at higher speeds and reduce tool wear. However, if the pressure and fluid direction is not precise, the coolant simply washes over the tool, tool holder and work piece. Even though this cools the surfaces somewhat, but it fails to remove the intense heat within the area itself.

[0005] There are various kinds of coolants such as oil, oil-water emulsion, aerosols (mists), and air or other gases. They may be made from petroleum, plant oils, water, compressed air and compressed carbon dioxide. The most popular coolant is an emulsion of water and mineral oil. When water and mineral oil are mixed with other ingredients, an optimal coolant is obtained. This mixture is designed to inhibit rust, tolerate water hardness, resist thermal breakdown, and be environmentally safe. These coolants are manually delivered to machine tools through human interface.

[0006] Existing systems use coolant systems which may be attached to CNC machines to pump fluids to cool and lubricate workpieces and cutting machines. Some common coolant systems include flooding systems, jet coolant system and mist coolant systems. Different applications require use of different coolant systems depending on the qualities of the workpiece. However, the precision and efficiency that CNC machine delivers would not be possible without using the right coolant.

[0007] Hence, there is a need for a coolant system that automatically determines the required coolant for the CNC machine for better lubrication of the operation tool. There is a need for a system that automatically prepares and delivers suitable coolants to required operation tool of CNC machines.

Objectives of the invention:
[0008] The primary objective of the invention is to provide a smart coolant system for computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines that prepares and delivers suitable coolant automatically to increase the operation tool life of CNC machines.

[0009] Another objective of the invention is to determine the coolant with desired quantity based on machining operation parameters.

[0010] Another objective of the invention is to prepare new coolants based on the machining operation parameters.

[0011] Another objective of the invention is to prepare a cost-effective smart coolant system for CNC machines.

Summary of the invention:
[0012] The present disclosure proposes a smart coolant system for computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines. The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0013] In order to overcome the above deficiencies of the prior art, the present disclosure is to solve the problem by providing a smart coolant system for computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines which increases the operation tool life of CNC machines by preparing and releasing the at least one desired coolant with desired quantity.

[0014] The smart coolant system for computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines comprises a plurality of fluid tanks, a plurality of fluid-controlled valves, at least one blending tank, a blender, a coolant-controlled valve, and a controller. The controller further comprises a parameter detecting module, a coolant determining module, a fluid activating module, and a dispensing module.

[0015] The plurality of fluid tanks is configured to store plurality of fluids. In specific, at least one fluid comprises a coolant raw material such as mineral oil, mineral water, coupling agent etc. At least one blending tank is connected to the plurality of fluid tanks to receive at least one fluid of determined quantity, blend the received fluids and prepare at least one coolant. In specific, the coolant comprises at least one of soluble oil, cutting oil, and synthetic oil for various CNC machinery operations.

[0016] The controller is configured to identify multiple machine operating parameters, determine the coolant along with corresponding dispensing quantity based on the identified multiple machine operating parameters, and control at least one fluid tank and the blending tank for preparing and dispensing the coolant with the determined dispensing quantity to at least one operation tool.

[0017] The parameter detecting module is configured to identify the multiple machine operating parameters. The coolant determining module is configured to determine the coolant with corresponding dispensing quantity based on the identified machine operating parameters. In specific, the machine operating parameters comprise at least one of an operation tool material, tool dimensions, a manufacturing product material, manufacturing time, type of machining operation, operation length, and CNC machine capacity.

[0018] The fluid activating module is configured to determine a quantity of at least one fluid based on the determined coolant with the corresponding dispensing quantity, and activate at least one fluid-controlled valve which is connected to the fluid tank to release the determined quantity of the fluid into the blending tank.

[0019] The dispensing module is configured to activate the blender and the coolant-controlled valve of the blending tank. The blender is configured to mix the received fluids for preparing the coolant. The coolant-controlled valve is configured for releasing and dispensing the prepared coolant with the determined dispensing quantity to the operation tool. In specific, the CNC machinery operations comprise at least one of lathe operation, drilling operation, shaping operation, cutting machinery operation, and grinding operation.

[0020] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a study of the following portion of the specification, the claims, and the attached drawings.

Detailed description of drawings:
[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and, together with the description, explain the principles of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a smart coolant system for computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a method to prepare a coolant for CNC machines, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates an operating procedure of the controller to prepare a coolant for CNC machines, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Detailed invention disclosure:
[0025] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps.

[0026] Disclosed herein is a smart coolant system for computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines which increases the operation tool life of CNC machines by preparing and releasing the at least one desired coolant with desired quantity.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1 illustrates a smart coolant system 100 for computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines. The smart coolant system 100 for the computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines, comprises a plurality of fluid tanks 102 where each fluid tank 102 is connected with a fluid-controlled valve 104, at least one blending tank 106 connected with a blender 108 and a coolant-controlled valve 110, and a controller 112. The controller 112 further comprises a parameter detecting module 114, a coolant determining module 116, a fluid activating module 118, and a dispensing module 120.

[0028] In an embodiment, the plurality of fluid tanks 102 is configured to store plurality of fluids. In specific, at least one fluid may be a coolant raw material such as mineral oil, mineral water, coupling agent etc. Thus, different coolant raw materials may be placed in various fluid tanks 102

[0029] In an embodiment, the blending tank 106 is connected to the plurality of fluid tanks 102 to receive at least one fluid of determined quantity, blend the received fluids and prepare at least one coolant. In specific, the coolant which is prepared in the blending tank may comprise at least one of soluble oil, cutting oil, and synthetic oil for various CNC machinery operations.

[0030] In an embodiment, the controller 112 is configured to identify multiple machine operating parameters. The controller 112 determines at least one coolant along with corresponding dispensing quantity based on the identified multiple machine operating parameters. Further, the controller 112 is configured to control the at least one fluid tanks 102 and the blending tank 106 for preparing and dispensing the coolant with the determined dispensing quantity to at least one operation tool. When the coolant is determined, the controller 112 controls required fluid tanks 102 to release desired coolant raw materials for the preparation of the desired coolant.

[0031] In an embodiment, the parameter detecting module 114 of the controller 112 is configured to identify the multiple machine operating parameters. The coolant determining module 116 is configured to determine the coolant with corresponding dispensing quantity based on the identified multiple machine operating parameters. In specific, the multiple machine operating parameters comprise at least one of an operation tool material, tool dimensions, a manufacturing product material, manufacturing time, type of machining operation, operation length, and CNC machine capacity. The quantity of coolant is determined based on the machine operating parameters.

[0032] In an embodiment, the fluid activating module 118 is configured to determine a quantity of at least one fluid based on at the determined coolant with the corresponding dispensing quantity. The fluid activating module 118 further activates at least one fluid-controlled valve 104 which is connected to the at least one fluid tank 102. The fluid-controlled valve 104 releases the determined quantity of the fluid from the corresponding fluid tank 102 into the blending tank 106.

[0033] In an embodiment, the dispensing module 120 is configured to activate the blender 108 and the coolant-controlled valve 110 of the blending tank 106, once fluids from the fluid tanks 102 are released into the blending tank 106. The blender 108 is configured to mix the received fluids for preparing the coolant. The coolant-controlled valve 110 is configured for releasing and dispensing the prepared coolant with the determined dispensing quantity to the required operation tool.

[0034] In an embodiment, based on the type of CNC machinery operations detected by the smart coolant system 100 different coolants are released. In specific, the CNC machinery operations comprise at least one of lathe operation, drilling operation, shaping operation, cutting machinery operation, and grinding operation.

[0035] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 to prepare a coolant for CNC machines. The method 200 comprises various steps. As depicted at step 202, plurality of fluids is stored in the fluid tanks. At step 204, at least one blending tank is connected to the plurality of fluid tanks.

[0036] Later, multiple machine operating parameters are identified at the step 206. Thereafter, at least one coolant along with corresponding dispensing quantity is determined based on the identified multiple machine operating parameters, at the step 208. In specific, the multiple machine operating parameters comprise at least one of an operation tool material, tool dimensions, a manufacturing product material, manufacturing time, type of machining operation, operation length, and CNC machine capacity.

[0037] Subsequently, at the step 210, at least one fluid tank and the blending tank is controlled to prepare and dispense at least one coolant with the determined dispensing quantity to the desired operating tool. The released fluid from the fluid tanks is mixed in the in the blending tank, and prepared amount of coolant is released to the CNC machinery tool.

[0038] At least one fluid comprises a coolant raw material such as mineral oil, mineral water, coupling agent etc., and wherein the at least one coolant comprises at least one of soluble oil, cutting oil, and synthetic oil for various CNC machinery operations, and wherein the CNC machinery operations comprise at least one of lathe operation, drilling operation, shaping operation, cutting machinery operation, and grinding operation.

[0039] For instance, table 1 illustrates the type of coolant or cutting fluid to be dispensed according to the type of material.

[0040] Table 1:
Material Coolant or cutting fluid
CI. Brass Dry Fluid
Copper Turpentine
Aluminum Kerosene
Steel Cutting oil or cutting compound
High speed steel Waterless cutting fluids
Hard steel, Bronze Mineral oil

[0041] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 3 illustrates an operating procedure 300 to prepare a coolant for CNC machines by the controller modules. The method 300 begins with identification of multiple machine operating parameters, by using a parameter detecting module, at step 302.Then, at least one coolant with corresponding dispensing quantity is determined based on the identified multiple machine operating parameters, by using the coolant determining module, at step 304.

[0042] Later, at step 306, the quantity of at least one fluid based on the determined coolant is determined with the corresponding dispensing quantity, and the fluid-controlled valve which is connected to the fluid tank is activated to release the determined quantity of at least one fluid into the blending tank, by using the fluid activating module. Subsequently, at step 308, the blender and the coolant-controlled valve of the blending tank are activated by using a dispensing module. The blender is configured to mix the received fluids for preparing the at least one coolant. The coolant-controlled valve is configured for releasing and dispensing the prepared coolant with the determined dispensing quantity to at least one operation tool, at step 310. Thus, the smart coolant system for CNC machines is able to prepare new coolants which are non-existent by mixing different coolant raw materials based upon machine operation parameters.

[0043] Numerous advantages of the present disclosure may be apparent from the discussion above. In accordance with the present disclosure, the smart coolant system for computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines is disclosed which increases the operation tool life of CNC machines by preparing and releasing the desired coolant with desired quantity.

[0044] The smart coolant system prepares suitable coolant according to the machine operation parameters such as operation tool material, tool dimensions, manufacturing product material, manufacturing time, type of machining operation, operation length, CNC machine capacity etc. The proposed system is cost effective since it is able to release different quantity of the required coolant. Thus, the smart coolant system for CNC machines is able to prepare any type of coolant using different coolant raw materials.

[0045] It will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations can be made to the processes described in the foregoing examples without departing from the principles underlying the invention, and all such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application.