Lamella Cover Spring Element for Machine Tool Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lamella covers for machine tools are complex in terms of device technology, lacking simplicity and efficiency in achieving uniform slat movement, longitudinal stabilization, and extension limitation.
Innovation Solution
A spring element with two spring legs connected via their end sections and a connecting element, which determines the maximum extended position, providing a simple structure for the lamella cover to prevent pulling out and optimizing movement distribution by adapting stiffness to mass and acceleration forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple frame elements and V-shaped spring elements are arranged between slats, then the slatted cover achieves stable relative arrangement and protection function, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is segmented into two spring legs connected at end sections, with a connecting element positioned between spaced-apart end sections. This segmentation allows the complex stabilization function to be achieved through simple, modular components that are easier to manufacture and assemble, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential function of stabilization from the complex arrangement of multiple frame elements and spring elements, consolidating it into a single spring element with connecting element that determines maximum extended position. This extraction simplifies the device by removing unnecessary components while preserving the core stabilization and protection functions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If V-shaped spring elements with multiple stabilizing elements are used, then longitudinal stabilization is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is designed with specific local qualities: two spring legs with particular stiffness characteristics, and a connecting element positioned at a specific location between spaced-apart end sections. This localized design provides longitudinal stabilization exactly where needed without requiring complex manufacturing throughout the entire structure, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving the required stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the spring element, specifically designing it with an essentially rectangular development rather than a V-shape. This parameter change simplifies manufacturing while the connecting element positioned between spaced-apart end sections maintains the longitudinal stabilization function through controlled elastic deformation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the spring element is designed with essentially rectangular development, then manufacturing effort is reduced, but the complexity of achieving uniform slat movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element employs asymmetric design in its functional configuration: the connecting element is positioned between spaced-apart end sections of the spring legs, creating an asymmetric structure that generates uniform tension forces during expansion and contraction. This asymmetric positioning ensures synchronous movement of slats while the essentially rectangular development maintains manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element utilizes dynamic elastic deformation of the spring legs to achieve uniform slat movement. The rectangular development provides predictable elastic characteristics that, when combined with the connecting element positioning, create a dynamic system that automatically distributes movement uniformly across all slats during operation, without requiring complex mechanical linkages.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution results in a cost-effective, simple, and efficient lamella cover design that ensures uniform slat movement and prevents drive-side slats from moving during rapid movements, while maintaining effective sealing and protection against chips and coolant.
Implementation Method 1
A spring element (20) is arranged between adjacent frame elements (16), which can be tensioned starting from a neutral position with a tensile or compressive tension when slats (8) assigned to a spring element (20) move relative to one another, as a result of which a spring force builds up that counteracts the relative movement
Data Source
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AI summary
A lamellar covering (1) for machine tools is disclosed. This covering has a multiplicity of overlapping lamellae (8), which are guided on a guide rail (2) via frame elements (16). One of the frame elements is assigned here to each lamella, on the rear side thereof. Adjacent frame elements have arranged between them a spring element (20) which, upon movement of the lamellae and/or of the frame elements relative to one another, is biased out of a neutral position, this building up a spring force which acts counter to the relative movement. The spring element has two spring legs (23, 26; 60, 62) arranged in a v-shaped manner, wherein spaced-apart end portions of the spring legs are each connected to a frame element, and wherein a connecting element (22) is arranged between the spring legs such that movement of the spring legs relative to one another is limited in one direction by the connecting element.