Machine Tool Control Console Damping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tool operating panels and control devices are prone to damage and vibration-induced issues when moved relative to the machine tool, leading to potential harm to both the panel and the machine housing during operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of damping elements on the operating panel and supporting arm to absorb impacts and vibrations, allowing for flexible movement while preventing collisions with the machine tool or external objects, and enabling easy replacement of damaged elements by non-trained operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the supporting arm is made movable and pivotable to enable flexible operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of impact and damage to the operating panel and machine tool housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by integrating damping elements (such as rubber buffers or shock-absorbing materials) at the boundaries of the operating panel and supporting arm structures. These elements are pre-installed to cushion impacts before they occur, preventing damage when the supporting arm pivots into the machine tool housing or when the operating panel collides with external objects during flexible movement operations.
2Reliability
If damping elements are integrated into the apparatus to prevent impact damage, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the damping function with the existing structural components of the operating panel and supporting arm. Instead of adding separate, complex damping systems, the damping elements are integrated directly into the boundaries of these components (e.g., attaching rubber buffers to the edges), combining protection functionality with the structural design to minimize additional complexity while improving reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operating panel can be pivoted freely for flexible positioning, then the adaptability is improved, but the risk of collision with external objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces damping elements as intermediary components between the operating panel/supporting arm and external objects (such as the machine tool housing or surrounding equipment). These intermediary elements absorb impact energy during collisions, allowing the operating panel to maintain its pivoting flexibility and adaptability for various positioning requirements while reducing the harmful effects of accidental collisions with external objects.
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 effectively mitigates impacts and vibrations, protecting electronic components and allowing for flexible operation of the machine tool without the need for trained staff intervention in case of damage, thereby reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one damping element which is suitable for dampening the vibrations of the apparatus, which occur, when the apparatus bumps against the machine tool (or an external object)
Implementation Method 2
at least one damping element, especially an integral damping element which absorbs the impact of the apparatus resulting from the collision between the apparatus and the tool machine
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use with a machine tool, including an operating panel via which the machine tool can be controlled by an user and a supporting arm holding the operating panel, which can be mounted on the machine tool by means of a hinge in such a way that the supporting arm holding the operating panel can be pivoted relatively to the machine tool about a vertical axis of the hinge, wherein the apparatus is provided with at least one damping element and/or which dampens an impact of the apparatus which occurs, because of a collision between the apparatus and the machine tool, when the supporting arm is pivoted with respect to the machine tool about a vertical axis.