Machine Tool Dual-Door Access for Better Operator Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ergonomically undesirable body contortion is required for operators accessing and working on Swiss-type machine tools due to the design of enclosure doors, which obstructs access and limits comfortable positioning for loading/unloading workpieces and tools.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring a frame assembly with a first door that pivots and a second door that slides, allowing for increased access to the machining area by enlarging the access opening when both doors are open, improving user accessibility and ergonomics by allowing the operator to position their torso more comfortably.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single door enclosure is used to close the machining area, then the enclosure provides complete protection and containment, but the operator must contort their body to access the machining area which is ergonomically undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The single door enclosure is divided into two separate doors: a first door that opens in a first direction and a second door that opens in a second direction transverse to the first direction. This segmentation allows the operator to open only the necessary door or both doors depending on the task, improving ergonomics without requiring full enclosure complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The second door opens in a direction transverse to the first door's opening direction, creating a multi-dimensional access solution. This allows the operator to approach the machining area from different angles and positions their torso more comfortably, adding spatial flexibility to the access system
2Ease of operation
If the access opening is made larger to improve operator comfort, then ergonomics improve, but the enclosure's ability to contain debris and machining fluids is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the enclosure into two separate doors, the system allows the operator to open only the minimum necessary opening for each specific task. The first door provides basic access, while the second door can be opened additionally when more space is needed, rather than requiring a permanently large opening that would compromise containment
Solution Approach 2:
The door system transitions from a static, fixed opening to a dynamic, adjustable opening configuration. The operator can adjust the degree of opening based on the specific task requirements, providing comfort only when needed while maintaining containment during machining operations
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a machine tool having a frame assembly, a first head having a first rotatable workpiece holder, and a second head having a second rotatable workpiece holder. The frame assembly includes a first door movable in a first direction between a first closed position and a first open position and a second door movable in a second direction transverse to the first direction between a second closed position and a second open position. The frame assembly has an access opening sized to permit access to the first and second heads with the first door in the first open position and the second door in the second closed position. The frame assembly has a larger access opening to increase ease of user accessibility to the first and second heads with the first door in the first open position and the second door in the second open position.