Machine Tool Control Panel Height Adjustment With Gas Spring Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control panel height adjustment mechanisms for machine tools are either protrusive, complex, or require excessive effort and time to adjust, and often compromise the aesthetic appearance by being visually obtrusive.
Innovation Solution
A control panel height adjusting device installed at the rear of the machine tool, utilizing a linear motion guide, a slide bracket supported by a gas spring, and a pivotable control panel with position adjustment grooves and an index plunger, allowing easy horizontal adjustment and concealment when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hydraulic cylinder with control valve is installed to adjust control panel height, then height adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a gas spring (pneumatic element) instead of a hydraulic cylinder to provide the lifting force for height adjustment. The gas spring simplifies the system by eliminating the need for control valves, complex piping, and hydraulic fluid, while still achieving the desired height adjustment capability through elastic deformation and gas pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the complex control valve and hydraulic system from the height adjustment mechanism, retaining only the essential lifting function through the gas spring. This extraction simplifies the overall device while maintaining the core functionality of height adjustment
2Adaptability or versatility
If a screw mechanism with handle portion is used for height adjustment, then height adjustment capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gas spring provides automatic lifting force that assists the operator during height adjustment, reducing the manual effort required compared to a pure screw mechanism. The pneumatic assistance makes the adjustment process easier while maintaining the ability to achieve various heights
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static screw mechanism requiring continuous manual rotation to a dynamic system where the gas spring actively provides lifting force. This dynamic assistance reduces the operational effort and time required for height adjustment
3Adaptability or versatility
If height adjusting device is installed at front surface to protrude, then height adjustment capability is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjusting device is nested within the recessed space at the rear of the control panel, allowing the mechanism to be contained within the panel's depth without protruding outward. This nesting approach enables height adjustment functionality while maintaining a clean, flush exterior surface that does not hinder operator movement
4Adaptability or versatility
If height adjusting device is installed at front surface, then height adjustment capability is improved, but shape deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting mechanism is nested within the rear recessed space of the control panel, concealing it from the front view. This allows the functional components to be hidden while maintaining a clean, aesthetically pleasing exterior surface
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical components are extracted from the visible front surface and relocated to the hidden rear space. This extraction removes the visually obtrusive elements while preserving the height adjustment functionality, thereby improving the overall aesthetic appearance
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
Enables effortless height adjustment of the control panel, resolves protrusion and complexity issues, and maintains an aesthetically pleasing appearance by hiding the adjustment mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a gas spring may be installed at one side of the slide bracket to support the slide bracket in the vertical direction with respect to the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A height adjusting device of a control panel for a machine tool is disclosed. The height adjusting device includes a linear motion (LM) guide installed at a frame, wherein a slide bracket is coupled with the LM guide and configured to slide in a vertical direction on the LM guide, wherein a gas spring is installed at the slide bracket to support the slide bracket with respect to the frame, and wherein the control panel is coupled to the other side of the slide bracket to be pivotable in the horizontal direction. The slide bracket further includes an index plunger at a position corresponding to that of a plurality of position adjustment grooves to fix a vertical position of the slide bracket, such that an operator can easily adjust the height of the control panel by inserting the index plunger into one of the position adjustment grooves.