Machine Tool Gearbox With Integrated Chip Collection for Pull Cuts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cross-cut saws face challenges in processing large workpieces due to inadequate absorption of bending forces, leading to imprecise cuts and inefficient chip and dust collection, particularly with chips being thrown out over a large area.

Innovation Solution

An electrical processing machine with a gear system that integrates a gear element designed for both guiding the work unit and collecting chips or dust, featuring a two-dimensional working plane and a mechanism to limit the work unit's range, allowing for various cuts while effectively capturing chips and dust through a designed collecting geometry and suction system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a linear guide with extensions and bearing elements is used to enable pull cuts on large workpieces, then the cutting length and working area are increased, but the installation space and machine weight increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting lengthVSAvoidmachine weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The gear unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it guides the working unit during cross cuts, enables pull cuts through rotational movement, and collects chips or dust. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate linear guide extensions, reducing installation space and machine weight while maintaining the capability to process large workpieces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If linear guide extensions are added to increase cutting length, then the working area is expanded, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking areaVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gear unit serves as both the guiding mechanism and the chip collection system, eliminating the need for separate linear guide extensions and bearing elements. This integration maintains an expanded working area for processing large workpieces while significantly reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the guiding function and chip collection function into a single gear unit structure. The gear elements that guide the working unit also form the collection geometry for chips, merging multiple components into one integrated system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional chip collection methods are used with pull cuts, then chips are projected over a large area, but chip collection efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting versatilityVSAvoidchip collection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The gear unit is designed to collect chips or dust in addition to its guiding function, creating a universal component that handles both guidance and chip collection. The collection geometry is integrated into the gear structure, allowing efficient chip capture during pull cuts where chips would otherwise be projected over a large area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The gear unit acts as an intermediary between the working unit and the chip collection system. Its structured geometry intercepts chips or dust before they can be projected over a large area, channeling them into the collection system through the gear elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4364912A1Electric machine tool
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 MAFELL AG
  • EP4364912A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4364912A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4364912A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An electric machine tool (10) comprises a frame (11), a working unit (15) having a working tool (13), and a gearbox (17) by means of which the working unit (15) is attached to the frame (11) and which is designed to enable a guided working movement of the working unit (15) relative to the frame (11). The gearbox (17) has a gear element (27) designed to collect chips or dust that occur when machining a workpiece (W) with the working tool (13).