Machine Tool Footstool Storage for Clean and Fast Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing machine tools with footstools in machining areas face issues of dirt accumulation and inefficient setup processes, as operators must carry and clean the footstools, leading to contamination and increased operational burdens.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design that includes a splash guard with a door capable of closing, allowing the footstool to be mounted on the machine body and stored outside when not in use, and brought inside for setup, featuring a footboard with adjustable orientations and a tilt mechanism to improve storage and setup efficiency while preventing dirt accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the footstool is placed inside the machining area during setup, then setup efficiency is improved, but the footstool becomes contaminated with lubricant and chips requiring cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The footstool is segmented from the main machine structure and can be independently moved between storage and setup positions. This allows the footstool to be separated from the contaminated machining area when not in use, while still being accessible when needed for setup operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The footstool is preliminarily positioned in a clean storage area outside the machining area before setup operations begin. This preliminary positioning prevents contamination before it occurs, and the footstool is only moved into the machining area when actually needed for setup.
2Ease of operation
If the footstool is kept inside the machining area, then it is readily accessible during setup, but the operator must carry and clean the footstool increasing operational burden
Solution Approach 1:
The footstool is designed to be self-contained with a storage mechanism that allows it to service itself by returning to a storage position after use. This eliminates the need for operators to manually carry and clean the footstool, as the system automatically manages its own positioning and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The footstool positioning system adds a spatial dimension by creating separate zones for storage and setup operations. The footstool can be positioned in different locations (outside vs. inside the machining area) based on operational needs, effectively using spatial separation to resolve the contradiction between accessibility and contamination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the footstool is made changeable in place on the machine body, then it can be positioned optimally for different operations, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The footstool mounting system is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The footstool can be moved between different positions (stored outside the machining area or positioned inside during setup) and can be tilted between different orientations. This dynamic capability provides positioning flexibility without requiring complex permanent mounting mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool capable of restraining dirt on the footstool and improving setup efficiency. The machine tool includes a machine body having a splash guard surrounding a machining area and a door capable of closing an opening of the splash guard. A footstool is kept mounted on the machine body changeably in place with respect to the machine body. The footstool kept mounted on the machine body is capable of being in a place on an outside of the machine body when the door is closed. The footstool kept mounted on the machine body is capable of being brought to a setup place inside the machining area from the outside of the machine body through the opening when the door is open.