Convertible Bridge Milling Machine Bench Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bridge milling machines with a one-piece, cage-like metal structure pose obstacles and safety risks for operators during loading and unloading operations due to the fixed front and rear side members that hinder access around the bench.
Innovation Solution
A bridge milling machine with a convertible structure that features removable connection means between the bench and the sides, allowing for a monolithic structure during transport and easy disassembly to enhance operator access and ergonomics at the installation site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a one-piece, cage-like metal structure is used for the milling machine, then the machine can be conveniently moved and handled as a single unit, but the fixed front and rear side members create obstacles and safety risks for operators during loading and unloading operations
Solution Approach 1:
The milling machine structure is divided into separable components: the bench (6) can be detached from the side members (2, 3) using removable connection means (M). This segmentation allows the bench to be removed for operator safety during slab handling, while the side members remain to provide structural support for the bridge mechanism. The segmentation principle resolves the contradiction by allowing the structure to be simple during transport and complex only when operational benefits are needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The milling machine structure transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The removable connection means (M) enable the bench (6) to be quickly attached or detached from the side members (2, 3), allowing the structure to adapt between transport mode (monolithic) and operational mode (open for access). This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the bench is permanently fixed to the sides in a monolithic structure, then the machine maintains structural integrity during transport, but operators face safety risks and restricted movement around the bench
Solution Approach 1:
The removable connection means (M) are pre-configured on the side members (2, 3) and bench (6) to enable quick attachment and detachment. This preliminary preparation allows operators to rapidly reconfigure the structure before transport or operation, ensuring structural integrity is maintained during transport while enabling safe operator access during operation. The preliminary action principle resolves the contradiction by preparing the structure in advance for different operational states.
3Productivity
If the milling machine has a fixed, enclosed structure, then it provides structural stability and ease of handling, but it creates obstacles for operators performing loading and unloading operations
Solution Approach 1:
The milling machine is segmented into movable components (bench and side members) connected by removable means (M). This segmentation allows the bench to be quickly removed to create an open workspace for efficient slab loading and unloading, while maintaining the option to reassemble for transport. The productivity gain from faster slab handling outweighs the complexity of the removable connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The bench (6) can be temporarily discarded (removed) from the side members (2, 3) during loading and unloading operations to improve operator access and efficiency. After these operations are complete, the bench is recovered (reattached) to restore the monolithic structure for transport. This discarding and recovering principle resolves the contradiction by temporarily sacrificing structural completeness for operational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a bridge milling machine for the machining of marble or stone slabs provided with two load-bearing sides between which there is a horizontal bench supporting the slabs to be machined under a multi-axis cutting head. Wherein said horizontal bench is connected to the two sides by a connection means suitable for being easily and quickly dismounted and remounted.