Modular Crosspiece Drive Unit for Easier Machine Tool Cover Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing covering apparatuses for machine tools require complex and time-consuming maintenance due to motor malfunctions, leading to extended machine stoppages and high maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular unit for the covering apparatus featuring separable modular profiles and integrated drive and braking systems, powered by low-voltage DC motors and controlled by a PLC, with rechargeable batteries for easy maintenance and reduced downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the covering apparatus uses a integrated motor-driven crosspiece structure, then the structural simplicity and light weight are improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates because the entire crosspiece must be dismantled for motor maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The crosspiece is divided into modular segments: a fixed portion attached to the covering element and a movable portion that can be independently removed. The motor is mounted on the movable portion, allowing it to be accessed and maintained without dismantling the entire crosspiece structure, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and ease of repair.
2Volume of moving object
If the covering apparatus uses a compact integrated design, then the device size is minimized, but the ease of operation deteriorates during maintenance due to complex disassembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The crosspiece is segmented into removable portions, with the motor mounted on a movable portion that can be independently accessed. This allows maintenance operations to be performed on the motor without complex disassembly of the entire compact structure, maintaining small device size while improving ease of maintenance operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor is extracted as a separately accessible component mounted on the movable portion of the crosspiece. This extraction allows the motor to be removed and serviced independently from the compact covering apparatus structure, eliminating the need for full disassembly while preserving the compact design.
3Manufacturing precision
If the covering apparatus uses a non-modular integrated structure, then the manufacturing precision is improved through unified construction, but the adaptability deteriorates for different maintenance scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The crosspiece is designed with segmented modular portions that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The motor is mounted on a removable movable portion, creating a standardized interface that maintains manufacturing precision through modular connections while providing adaptability for different maintenance scenarios and future upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable portion of the crosspiece with the mounted motor serves multiple functions: it enables the covering element to move along the guides, allows independent motor access for maintenance, and provides a standardized platform that can accommodate different motor types or configurations, thus enhancing versatility while maintaining precision through modular design.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2a
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Described is a modular unit (8) of a covering apparatus (1) for machine tools, defining a first modular profile (S1) of a movable crosspiece (4) of the apparatus (1), and comprising a first transmission unit (7b) for moving the crosspiece (4) and a drive unit (9) associated with the first transmission unit (7b).