Link Apron Ball-and-Socket Centering for Chip-Resistant Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing link aprons for machine tools face challenges in achieving reliable vertical centering and sealing due to susceptibility to deformation and chip entrapment, leading to impaired functionality and high production costs.
Innovation Solution
The link apron features spherically curved projections and concave sockets on adjacent links, forming a ball-and-socket contact surface that maintains sealing and centering even during relative rotation, with a large radius to ensure flush abutment and minimal gap, and includes rounded edges and cavities for reduced material and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If triangular projections and recesses are used for vertical centering, then centering function is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to deformation when chips are jammed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the triangular projection design with a spherical projection that fits into a corresponding spherical recess. This curved surface design allows the links to maintain vertical centering while accommodating chip intrusion without deformation, as the spherical geometry distributes forces evenly and prevents stress concentration that would occur with sharp triangular edges.
2Reliability
If triangular toothing is used for sealing, then sealing function is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to complex geometry requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical projection and recess replace the complex triangular toothing geometry. This simplification maintains the sealing function through the curved contact surface while dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity, as spherical features are easier to machine and tolerate dimensional variations better than precise angular features.
3Strength
If piping-like link connectors are used, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the link connector design with the spherical projection-recess mechanism, combining the connection function and centering function into a unified structure. This merging eliminates separate centering features and simplifies the overall connector assembly while maintaining both structural strength and vertical alignment.
4Reliability
If complex contact surface geometry is used, then sealing effect is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to high production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical contact surfaces replace complex alternating curved areas with a simple geometric form that is easy to manufacture. Spherical features can be produced using standard machining operations and are tolerant of dimensional variations, significantly reducing production costs while maintaining effective sealing through the curved contact interface.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention discloses a link apron, having a plurality of links that are each connected to each other via link connectors. An abutment region of side surfaces of the links located above said links is configured in the shape of a ball joint, wherein a ball-shaped protrusion on a link immerses into an accordingly shaped socket on another link such that a centering of height is achieved in a planar position.