Modular CNC Frame Interlocking Notch Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CNC frames are difficult to assemble and disassemble, especially for amateur users, as they are typically made from heavy industrial materials requiring tools, making them cumbersome for transport and relocation.
Innovation Solution
A modular CNC frame assembled from interlocking components, including side panels, crossbeams, and a gantry beam, with notches and guide holes/pins allowing for tool-free assembly and disassembly, using lightweight materials like plastic for user-friendly handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If CNC frames are made from industrial materials, then structural strength is improved, but weight increases and ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The CNC frame is divided into modular components (side panels, crossbeams, gantry beam) with standardized notches for interlocking. This segmentation allows the frame to be assembled in sections rather than as a single heavy structure, making it easier to handle and assemble while maintaining overall structural strength through the interlocking design.
Solution Approach 2:
Notches serve as intermediary features that facilitate connection between frame components. These notches enable tool-free assembly by providing alignment and engagement points, resolving the contradiction between needing strong industrial materials and wanting easy assembly for amateur users.
2Stability of the object's composition
If CNC frames are made from heavy industrial materials, then structural stability is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the frame into modular components connected by notches, the design allows for lightweight materials to be used while maintaining structural stability through the interlocking assembly. The modular nature enables the frame to be disassembled and reconfigured, improving portability without sacrificing stability when assembled.
3Manufacturing precision
If custom tools are required for assembly, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The notches act as intermediary features that provide built-in alignment and positioning guidance during assembly. This eliminates the need for custom tools while maintaining assembly precision, as the notches themselves ensure proper alignment of components. The design simplifies the assembly process by incorporating the alignment function directly into the frame components.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame components are designed to be self-aligning through the notch features, which guide the assembly process without requiring external tools or complex fixtures. The notches provide self-service alignment functionality, reducing both device complexity and the skill level required for assembly while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a modular frame for CNC machining, comprising: a first side panel and a second side panel, each side panel for with an elongated base with a notch at either end and a vertical extension from the base with a notch at the distal end of the vertical extension; a first crossbeam and a second crossbeam, each crossbeam having a notch at either end, the notches on the crossbeam oriented in an opposing direction to the notches on the side panels; and a gantry beam, the gantry beam having a notch at either end, the notches on the gantry beam oriented in an opposing direction to the notches on the side panels, wherein the side panels, crossbeams and gantry beam are user-assembled into the modular frame via alignment and engagement of the respective notches on the crossbeams and gantry beam with the notches on the side panels, and wherein user assembly of the modular frame is performed without the use of tools.