Machine Tool Cover Link Skirt Sliding Surface Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing covering devices for machine tools have suboptimal sliding and guiding properties, leading to inefficiencies and dirt accumulation, with complex structures that are prone to service life reduction due to dirt exposure.

Innovation Solution

A covering device with sliding elements featuring a continuous sliding surface on one side, allowing for improved sliding and guiding, and a compact design with flush surfaces to prevent dirt accumulation, utilizing a guide section centrally arranged on the sliding section to enhance stability and ease of maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the guide section is arranged centrally on the sliding section, then the sliding element is symmetrically designed, but the sliding surface area is reduced and splitting into two surfaces occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesymmetry of sliding elementVSAvoidsliding surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The guide section is arranged asymmetrically on the sliding section, specifically on one side rather than centrally. This asymmetric arrangement creates a single continuous sliding surface that is significantly larger in area, resolving the contradiction between symmetry and sliding surface area by prioritizing the functional requirement of maximum contact area for improved sliding and guiding properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Device complexity

If the sliding sections are arranged with gaps between them, then the structure is simpler, but dirt can penetrate through and accumulate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoiddirt penetration and accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding sections are designed to run flush against each other, forming a continuous flat surface that eliminates gaps. This design converts the potential harm of dirt accumulation into a benefit by creating a smooth, wipeable surface that prevents dirt deposition entirely, while the flush arrangement itself simplifies the structure by eliminating the need for additional sealing components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Device complexity

If the inner guide wall does not run flush with the inner walls of links, then the guide structure is simpler, but steps are created that accumulate dirt

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguide structure simplicityVSAvoiddirt accumulation on steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The inner guide wall is designed with a specific local quality of being flush with the inner walls of the links and sliding elements. This localized flush arrangement creates a step-free surface in the critical area where dirt accumulation would occur, while the rest of the guide structure maintains its simplicity. The principle applies local optimization to eliminate dirt traps without complicating the overall guide design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2407704B1Covering device, in particular for machine tools

Publication Date: 2015.03.25 HENNIG HLDG

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AI summary

A cover (1), particularly for machine tools, has a link skirt (2) with several articulated links (3). The link skirt (2) is slidably guided in a guide (4) by means of sliding elements (5). Each sliding element (5) has a guide section (21) which is arranged on a corresponding sliding section (20) such that the latter forms exactly one sliding surface (G). The sliding surfaces (G) are relatively large, thereby improving the sliding and guiding properties of the cover (1).