Brush Chain Gap Cover for Stable Plate Machining Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for separating processing of plate-shaped workpieces face challenges in providing adequate support to workpieces during processing, leading to sagging and tipping of partially cut workpieces, which complicates machining and movement.
Innovation Solution
A machine design featuring a covering element with a chain of chain links that have a pivoting limitation angle, allowing the chain to assume a non-planar curved shape when unloaded, which applies a pretension force to support the workpiece and prevent sagging, combined with a guide system to maintain the chain's position and ensure stable support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a covering element is arranged in the gap to support workpieces, then workpiece support is improved, but the covering element sags under gravity affecting support quality
Solution Approach 1:
The chain links are pre-configured with a pivot limiting angle that creates a predetermined convex curvature before the workpiece is placed. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that when the chain is installed in the gap, it automatically assumes a pre-tensioned state that counteracts gravity, preventing sagging and maintaining planarity during workpiece support.
2Reliability
If the chain is made rigid to prevent sagging, then support stability improves, but the chain cannot adapt to curved paths or workpiece movements
Solution Approach 1:
The chain links are designed with a pivot limiting angle that allows dynamic adaptation between two states: a convex curved configuration when unloaded that provides flexibility for installation and path following, and a planar pre-tensioned configuration when loaded that provides stability for workpiece support. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between flexibility and stability.
3Force
If the pivot limiting angle is increased to improve preload force, then support stability improves, but the chain becomes too rigid for proper installation and guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot limiting angle is optimized to a specific range that balances two competing requirements: it is large enough to generate sufficient preload force through the convex curvature to counteract gravity and prevent sagging, but small enough to allow the chain links to flex adequately during installation and guidance operations. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between force generation and operational ease.
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 provides improved support to workpieces, preventing sagging and tipping, and allows for reliable movement of workpieces during machining, enhancing the stability and effectiveness of the separating processing operation.
Implementation Method 1
a preload or force against the direction of gravity acts on the at least two adjacent chain links. This easily prevents the cover elements arranged in the gap between the workpiece support surfaces from sagging
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a machine for the separative machining of a plate-shaped workpiece (12) using a machining tool, which machine comprises two workpiece support surfaces (14, 15) for supporting the workpiece (12), between which a gap (16) is formed, and at least one carriage (24, 25) which is movable in or along the gap (16), which carriage is connected to at least one covering element (30, 31) which at least partially covers the gap (16) and which comprises a chain (37) with a plurality of chain links (34) which have a brush support (36) on an upper side and are designed to be pivotable with respect to one another, wherein at least two mutually adjacent chain links (34) have a pivot-limiting angle (a) with respect to the longitudinal axis (59) of the chain links (34) such that, with a rectilinear orientation to one another, and without exposure to force, the chain links (34) assume a non-planar profile.