Machine Tool Cable Guide with Dual-Weight Pretensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools with existing cable routing systems face challenges in efficiently guiding flexible connecting cables, as they often occupy valuable space and have inadequate pretension adjustment capabilities, particularly during varying deflection states and displacements of the cable end connected to the tool.
Innovation Solution
A numerically controlled machine tool with a cable routing device featuring a first and second guiding device, a slide, a rotatably connected deflection roller, and two tensioning weights (G1 and G2) that provide pretensioning forces through the weight of the clamping weights, allowing for smooth cable guidance and reduced deflection, especially during machining operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables are routed through the interior of the machine tool, then cable protection and organized routing are improved, but the machine tool structure becomes more complex and maintenance access is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide apparatus is divided into multiple segments including a first guide portion, second guide portion, and intermediate portion with cable receiving grooves. This segmentation allows cables to be organized in discrete sections rather than requiring a completely redesigned machine tool structure, thereby improving cable protection while minimizing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable guide apparatus acts as an intermediary component that bridges the connection between the control unit and the spindle unit. By introducing this intermediate cable management system, cables are protected and organized without requiring direct integration into the core machine tool structure, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the cable guide apparatus is fixed rigidly, then cable routing stability is improved, but flexibility for different cable lengths and configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide apparatus incorporates a flexible intermediate portion that can dynamically adjust its configuration. This flexible section allows the cable guide to adapt to different cable lengths and routing requirements while the first and second guide portions maintain stable positioning, thus achieving both stability and flexibility simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable guide apparatus allows for parameter changes in the flexible intermediate portion, such as bending radius and orientation, to accommodate different cable configurations. This enables the same rigid-mounted apparatus to adapt to various cable lengths and routing scenarios without compromising the overall stability of the cable routing system.
3Ease of operation
If cables are routed externally along the Y-axis, then maintenance access is improved, but cables are exposed to damage and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide apparatus nests the cables within protective grooves and channels formed in the guide structure itself. This nesting arrangement protects cables from external damage and environmental factors while maintaining a compact configuration that does not interfere with maintenance access to the machine tool components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable guide apparatus serves as an intermediary protective structure between the external environment and the cables. It provides a protected pathway for cables to travel from the control unit to the spindle unit, shielding them from damage while allowing maintenance personnel to access and service the machine tool components.
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 ensures a space-saving design with adaptable pretensioning, reducing cable deflection and material load, thereby enhancing machining accuracy and extending the lifespan of the connecting cable and its components.
Implementation Method 1
a force generated by the weight of the clamping weights G1 and G2
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a cable guide apparatus, wherein the cable guide apparatus comprises: a guide apparatus, a slide which is movably guided in the guide apparatus, a deflection roller which is connected to the slide, a first tension weight, a cable pull apparatus which connects the first tension weight to the slide guided in the guide apparatus, wherein the connection cable has a free end and a fixed end connected to a connection apparatus and extends over the deflection roller, a second tension weight and a second guide apparatus in which the tension weights are each movably guided, such that the connection cable extending over the deflection roller is preloaded in a first displacement region of the free end by a force generated by the weight force of the first tension weight and is preloaded in a second displacement region of the free end by a force generated by a total of the weight forces of the tension weights.