Gantry Machine Tool Layout With Coplanar Walkable Supports
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gantry machine tools pose safety risks and accessibility issues for operators due to elevated support structures, complex protection systems, and increased installation and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A gantry machine tool design featuring support structures that are coplanar with the worktable, allowing for a completely walkable lower portion, reduced overall dimensions, and simplified protection systems, thereby enhancing safety and accessibility while lowering costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If support structures are anchored to the floor in a raised position, then the machine structure is stable and robust, but operator safety deteriorates due to increased falling risks and injury exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The support structures are designed to be coplanar with the worktable, creating an equipotential surface at operating height. This eliminates height differences and stepped obstacles, allowing operators to move freely between the support structures and worktable without falling risks, while maintaining structural stability through the embedded longitudinal support structures.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fixed or movable barricades are positioned near support structures, then operator safety is improved by preventing access, but accessibility deteriorates as operators cannot easily reach the worktable for routine operations
Solution Approach 1:
By making the support structures coplanar with the worktable, the invention creates a continuous walkable surface that eliminates the need for barricades. Operators can safely access the worktable for routine operations by simply walking across the coplanar support structures, which are designed to bear operational loads.
3Reliability
If telescopic covers or roller shutters are used to protect guide means, then protection is provided, but device complexity increases and walkability deteriorates as these covers are slippery and cannot bear operator weight
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the telescopic covers or roller shutters from the system. Instead of adding protective covers, the guide means are integrated directly into the coplanar support structures, allowing the support structures themselves to serve as both structural elements and protective surfaces that can bear operator weight.
4Reliability
If different heights and protection systems are implemented, then guide means are protected, but accessibility deteriorates as wheeled lifting means cannot easily access the worktable
Solution Approach 1:
The coplanar design creates an equipotential surface that allows wheeled lifting means to move freely between the support structures and worktable without encountering height differences or obstacles, while the integrated guide means provide necessary protection.
5Ease of operation
If gangways with ladders are installed to allow operator access, then accessibility is improved, but device complexity and costs increase due to additional installation and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for gangways with ladders by making the support structures themselves coplanar with the worktable. The support structures are designed to be directly walkable, removing the need for separate access systems and reducing installation and maintenance costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A gantry machine tool includes a pair of vertical uprights joined atop by a transverse beam, on which a tool holder head is slidingly mounted, and a worktable for anchoring a workpiece, above which the tool holder head is movable. Each upright includes a carriage adapted to slide along a longitudinal support structure, which includes a horizontal surface coplanar to the worktable and a lateral surface embedded in the floor and having a guide system for the carriage.