Balancing Machine Cover With Double-Walled Impact Protection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing balancing machine covers suffer from aging and wear, necessitating improved covering properties to protect against loose parts during high-speed tool rotation and simplify reconditioning.

Innovation Solution

A balancing machine protective cover featuring a double-walled boundary formed by transparent elements, with a sacrificial disk made of polycarbonate for high impact resistance and easy replacement, and an acrylic glass element for design freedom, mounted on a sheet metal frame for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single transparent cover is used for the balancing chamber, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the protection against loose parts during high-speed rotation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against loose partsVSAvoidcover structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent cover is divided into two separate transparent elements (first and second transparent elements) arranged at a distance from each other, forming a double-walled boundary. This segmentation provides enhanced protection against loose parts during high-speed tool rotation while maintaining visibility into the balancing chamber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two transparent elements are nested within the same frame unit structure, with the first transparent element positioned closer to the balancing chamber and the second transparent element positioned outward. This nested arrangement creates a protective barrier system that stops loose parts before they reach the first element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the outer transparent element is made of durable material, then the design freedom and aesthetics are improved, but the resistance to aging and wear deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign freedomVSAvoidresistance to aging and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The first transparent element, which is exposed to the harsh environment inside the balancing chamber, is designed as a replaceable sacrificial component. When this element shows signs of aging or wear, it can be easily replaced without replacing the entire cover assembly or the second transparent element, thus maintaining design freedom while managing durability concerns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

Different transparent elements are positioned to serve different functions: the first element provides protection against loose parts and environmental exposure, while the second element provides aesthetic design freedom. This local differentiation allows each element to be optimized for its specific role.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the transparent elements are made with high fracture resistance, then the safety against loose parts is improved, but the cost and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety against loose partsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The double-walled structure with ambient air filling the space between the two transparent elements creates a cushioning effect. This air gap absorbs and dissipates impact energy from loose parts before they can reach the first transparent element, reducing the requirement for extremely high fracture resistance materials while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If the transparent cover provides complete enclosure for safety, then the protection against loose parts is improved, but the visibility and monitoring capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against loose partsVSAvoidvisibility into balancing chamber

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent elements are designed to be transparent or translucent, allowing light to pass through while providing protection. This optical property maintains visibility into the balancing chamber while the double-walled structure ensures protection against loose parts during high-speed rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP4441481B1Protective cover for balance test bench, balance test bench and procedure for reconditioning a balance test bench protective cover

Publication Date: 2025.08.27 E ZOLLER GMBH & CO KG

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a balancing machine protective cover (10) for at least temporarily closing a balancing space (12) of a balancing machine (14), comprising at least one first transparent element (16), at least one second transparent element (18) and a frame unit (20). According to the invention, the transparent elements (16, 18) are formed and/or positioned such that they can delimit the balancing space (12) on at least one side (22) and such that both transparent elements (16, 18) are held by the frame unit (20) in such a way that together they form a double-walled boundary of the balancing space (12) on the at least one side (22).