Machine Tool Housing with Concealed Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tool housings often feature visible fastening elements, which can be aesthetically unpleasing and complicate assembly and maintenance, while also potentially compromising ergonomics and safety.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool housing design where the first and second housing shell elements are connected along a contact line without visible fastening elements, using a combination of snap hooks, clamping elements, and receiving elements to form a pistol grip handle, allowing for a seamless and ergonomic interface without visible fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visible fastening elements are used to connect housing shell elements, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the aesthetic appearance and ergonomics deteriorate due to visible fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening elements are extracted from the visible exterior and relocated to the interior of the housing. The patent describes that fastening elements are arranged on the inner sides of the housing shell elements, completely concealed from the outside, thus eliminating the aesthetic compromise while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces receiving elements that extend into the interior space of the housing and are connected to the drive train unit. These receiving elements act as intermediaries that provide secure anchoring points for the fastening elements while remaining hidden from view, thus mediating between the need for strong connections and aesthetic appearance
2Reliability
If multiple fastening elements are used to secure housing shell elements, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and ease of manufacture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into multiple shell elements that can be separately manufactured and then assembled. The fastening elements and receiving elements are distributed at specific locations along the contact line, allowing for modular assembly while maintaining overall connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening elements serve multiple functions: they mechanically connect the housing shell elements, provide structural reinforcement at the contact line, and remain concealed within the housing design. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device complexity
3Stability of the object's composition
If housing shell elements are connected with fastening elements, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of repair and maintenance deteriorate due to inaccessible fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing fastening elements on the exterior where they provide stability but hinder maintenance, the patent inverts the arrangement by placing fastening elements on the interior sides of the housing shell elements. This inversion allows maintenance personnel to access and replace fastening elements by disassembling the housing from the tool side, improving ease of repair while maintaining structural stability
4Ease of operation
If the handle is designed without separating edges for ergonomic grip, then the ergonomics and safety are improved, but the manufacturing precision and assembly alignment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed with curved surfaces and rounded contours that follow the natural grip of the user's hand, eliminating sharp separating edges. The housing shell elements are shaped to provide ergonomic contours while the contact line between elements maintains precise alignment through the fastening and receiving element system
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a machine tool housing having at least one housing shell element (12a; 12b; 12c) and at least one second housing shell element (14a; 14b; 14c) that is connected to the first housing shell element (12a; 12b; 12c) via at least one contact surface (16a) of the first housing shell element (12a; 12b; 12c) and via at least one contact area (18a) of the second housing shell element (14a; 14b; 14c) along at least one contact line (20a; 20b; 20c) between the first housing shell element (12a; 12b; 12c) and the second housing shell element (14a; 14b; 14c), wherein the first housing shell element (12a; 12b; 12c) and the second housing shell element (14a; 14b; 14c) forms, at least in sections, a handle (22a; 22b; 22c), in particular, a gun handle. According to the invention, the first housing shell element (12a; 12b; 12c) and the second housing shell element (14a; 14b; 14C) are interconnected along the contact line (20a; 20b; 20C) at least essentially free from visible fastening elements, in particular fixed to one another.