Machine Tool Cable Routing with Enclosure and Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tool housing devices fail to effectively protect cables from dust and abrasive particles, leading to potential damage and reduced service life, especially when fans are used, as existing cable routing solutions do not provide comprehensive enclosures or secure fixation methods.
Innovation Solution
A cable routing unit that essentially completely encloses line elements, formed in one piece with the housing element or detachably attached, featuring a closure element with securing areas for positive and non-positive connections, and a locking mechanism to ensure secure fixation and easy access, while allowing for removable and reusable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If cable elements are routed through open channels in machine tool housing, then installation and access are easy, but cables are exposed to dust and abrasive particles causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management unit is divided into modular components including cable channels, closure elements, and locking mechanisms that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows cables to be installed through open channels while maintaining protection capability through subsequent closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure elements and locking mechanisms are designed to be movable and removable, transitioning between open and closed states. This dynamic design enables easy cable installation when open, then provides dust protection when closed and locked, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and protection.
2Ease of repair
If cable management units are made detachable for easy maintenance, then access and repair are simplified, but protection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanisms are pre-designed with securing areas that engage automatically when closure elements are positioned correctly. This preliminary preparation ensures that when maintenance is complete and components are reassembled, reliable protection is restored without requiring complex adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure elements act as intermediary components between the cable channels and the external environment. They provide a controlled interface that maintains protection reliability while enabling easy access during maintenance, mediating between the conflicting requirements of security and accessibility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cable channels are completely enclosed for maximum protection, then dust protection is improved, but cable installation and future access become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The closure elements are designed to be movable between open and closed positions, allowing the cable management unit to dynamically transition between accessible and protected states. During installation, closures are open for easy cable access; after installation, closures close and lock to provide complete protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable management system is segmented into separate cable channels and removable closure elements. This segmentation allows cables to be installed through open channels while maintaining the capability to close and protect the channels afterward, resolving the contradiction between installation ease and protection effectiveness.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a machine tool housing device with at least one housing element (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e) and with at least one cable guidance unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e) which is arranged on at least the housing element (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e). It is proposed that the cable guidance unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e) is designed to enclose at least one cable element (16a, 18a, 20a, 22a; 16b, 18b, 20b, 22b; 16c, 18c, 20c, 22c; 16d, 18d, 20d, 22d; 16e, 18e, 20e, 22e) of a machine tool at least substantially completely.