Machine Tool Energy Chain Between Guide Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools face restrictions in their working area due to energy supply chains, which require increased clearances and complex protective measures, limiting their functionality and structural compactness.
Innovation Solution
The energy transmission chain is positioned between the outer guide rails of the linear guide, allowing it to be removed from the working area and protected by the cross slide, enabling a compact and stable machine tool design while maintaining electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the energy supply chain is arranged laterally to the cross slide, then electrical and hydraulic connections can be provided on the cross slide, but the working area of the machine tool is restricted due to increased clearances
Solution Approach 1:
The energy supply chain is relocated from a lateral arrangement to a vertical arrangement between the guide rails, utilizing the vertical dimension to resolve the spatial conflict between connection reliability and working area availability
2Reliability
If the energy supply chain is arranged in the working area, then connections can be made, but complex protective housings are required to protect against damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cross slide itself serves as the protective structure for the energy supply chain, eliminating the need for separate protective housings by utilizing the existing machine tool component
3Area of stationary object
If the energy supply chain is positioned between guide rails, then the working area is freed, but the structural rigidity of the cross slide may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cross slide is designed as a multi-part structure with a guide part that connects to the linear guide, allowing the energy supply chain to be accommodated between guide rails while maintaining overall structural integrity through optimized segmentation
Data Source
AI summary
The machine tool (1) has a longitudinal slide (3) which is attached to a linear guide (6). The linear guide is comprised with the two guide rails, and is displaceably mounted with respect to a cross slide (7). The longitudinal slide and the cross slide are secured with an energy supply chain (12). The energy supply chain is provided between the guide rails of the linear guide, and between the longitudinal slide and the cross slide.