Angular Milling Adapter for Space-Saving Worktable Retrofitting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Milling machines, especially swivel spindle types, require significant space and are not feasible for DIY workshops due to their complex setup and high cost, limiting the availability of advanced setting options for hobbyists and professionals with space constraints.

Innovation Solution

An interchangeable milling adapter that allows for angular adjustment and temporary connection of a milling machine to a worktable, enabling the use of existing worktables with a milling unit, providing adjustable positioning and retrofitting capabilities without the need for extensive space or additional storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a stationary swivel spindle milling machine is used, then advanced setting options and milling operations are available, but significant space is required and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemilling operations capabilityVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The milling machine system is divided into separate components: a work table and a detachable milling adapter with angular adjustment. This segmentation allows the milling functionality to be added to existing work tables without requiring a complete stationary milling machine, significantly reducing space requirements while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The milling adapter is designed to be universally compatible with standard work tables and can perform multiple milling operations at various angles. This multi-functional adapter replaces the need for specialized stationary machines, allowing one device to serve multiple purposes across different work scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a stationary swivel spindle milling machine is used, then advanced setting options are available, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting optionsVSAvoidmachine setup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the milling adapter from the work table, the system reduces overall complexity. The adapter contains the angular adjustment mechanism as a self-contained unit, making setup simpler than integrating such functionality into a complete stationary machine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The angular adjustment mechanism allows dynamic repositioning of the milling adapter to various angles during operation. This dynamic capability provides advanced setting options without requiring the complex fixed infrastructure of a stationary swivel spindle machine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If an interchangeable milling adapter is used, then space is saved and retrofitting is enabled, but connection stability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace savingVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The milling adapter merges with the work table through a secure connection interface that provides stable attachment. This combination maintains connection reliability while preserving the space-saving benefits of the interchangeable design, as the adapter integrates seamlessly with the existing work table structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11938578B2Milling adapter for a work table
Publication Date: 2024.03.26 MARMAN TOOLS GMBH
  • US11938578B2 patent drawing
  • US11938578B2 patent drawing
  • US11938578B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to an interchangeable milling adapter (20) for a work table (60), which comprises a receptacle (21) for a milling machine (70) and an angular adjustment (22). At the same time, an angular position (WP1, WP2) of the receptacle (21) in relation to the work table can be adjusted using the angular adjustment (22). Furthermore, a work table, a milling unit and their use for adjusting a milling machine are described.