Folding Bellows Cover Assembly With Integrated Engagement Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bellows covers for machine tools are complex and expensive to install, requiring multiple support frames and connecting means, which complicates assembly and increases production costs.
Innovation Solution
A bellows cover design featuring a profile bar with an engagement profile along its longitudinal direction for efficient assembly and economical production, allowing multiple bellows elements to connect form-fittingly without additional connection means, and incorporating lamellar plates and a flexible folding curtain for robustness and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multiple support frames and connecting means are used to assemble the bellows cover, then the structural stability is improved, but the assembly complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple support frames into a single monolithic support structure that is formed as one piece. This merging of multiple components into one reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the structural stability that would otherwise require multiple separate frames and connecting means to achieve
Solution Approach 2:
The single support structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, defines the bellows geometry, and serves as the mounting base for the bellows. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate support frames and connecting elements, reducing assembly steps while maintaining structural integrity
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple support frames and connecting means are used to assemble the bellows cover, then the structural stability is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple support frames into a single monolithic structure, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, stored, and assembled. This consolidation reduces production costs through fewer manufacturing operations, reduced inventory requirements, and simplified quality control, while maintaining the necessary structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed with integrated features that segment different functional zones within a single component. This allows the structure to provide different levels of support and geometry definition in different areas without requiring separate frames, thereby reducing production cost while maintaining structural stability
3Reliability
If additional connecting elements are used to attach bellows sections, then the connection reliability is improved, but the weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the connection functionality directly into the monolithic support structure, eliminating the need for separate connecting elements. The support structure itself provides the attachment points and structural continuity needed for reliable bellows section attachment, reducing weight while maintaining connection reliability
4Strength
If multiple support frames are used to provide structural support, then the mechanical robustness is improved, but the number of parts and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple support frames into a single monolithic structure, the patent eliminates the assembly steps required to connect multiple frames together. The single-piece construction provides the same mechanical robustness as multiple separate frames would, but without the assembly time required to join them
Data Source
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AI summary
A bellows cover (3) for a machine tool comprises several interconnected bellows links (9) each having a profile rod (10) having a longitudinal direction (12) and a folding curtain (11) attached to the profile rod (10), wherein, in order to connect two of the bellows links (9), the folding curtain (11) of one of these bellows links (9) is attached to the profile rod (10) of the adjacent bellows link (9), and wherein the profile rod (10) comprises at least one engagement profile (19, 20, 21) extending along the longitudinal direction (12).