Modular Machine Tool Table Assembly for Transportable Rigid Frames

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools for processing plate-shaped workpieces often feature monolithic steel structures that are difficult to transport and assemble, requiring extensive effort during production and installation due to their large size and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A modular machine tool design with prefabricated longitudinal and transverse frame modules connected via fastening means, allowing for standardized, automated production and flexible assembly at the installation site, where modules are surface-treated before assembly for precise alignment and support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a monolithic welded steel construction is used for the machine table, then structural strength and stability are improved, but transportability and assembly ease deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The machine table is divided into multiple modular frame sections that can be manufactured separately, transported easily, and assembled on-site using connection elements. This segmentation maintains structural integrity while dramatically improving transportability and assembly ease compared to monolithic constructions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If a monolithic welded steel construction is used for the machine table, then structural stability is improved, but production cost and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Individual frame sections are pre-assembled and pre-treated at the manufacturing site before transport. This preliminary action allows for quality control and preparation without requiring time-consuming on-site welding or assembly operations, thereby reducing overall assembly time while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If standardized frame modules are used, then manufacturing flexibility and assembly ease are improved, but structural strength may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing flexibilityVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple standardized frame sections are combined through rigid connection elements to form a unified structure. The connection elements are designed to maintain structural continuity and strength across module joints, ensuring that the assembled modular structure achieves equivalent or superior strength compared to monolithic constructions while retaining manufacturing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4344819B1Machine tool and method for assembling a machine tool
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 BES UG (HAFTUNGSBESCHRAENKT)
  • EP4344819B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4344819B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4344819B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A machine tool (1) for machining and handling plate-shaped workpieces (22) comprises a machine table (6) having at least two longitudinal frame modules (2) and at least two transverse frame modules (3), each longitudinal frame module (2) being connected to the at least two transverse frame modules (3) by fasteners, and each longitudinal frame module (2) having an upper chord (8) and a lower chord (9) connected to each other by spaced-apart posts (10), with a guide rail (7) for the movable support of a tool being supported on at least one upper chord (8). The invention further relates to a method for assembling a machine tool (1).