Modular Profile Guide System for Machine Tool Covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular guide systems for machine tools are complex and costly to produce, requiring custom-designed frame structures that are not easily adaptable to different applications, which limits their versatility and increases production costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular guide system composed of interchangeable profile pieces with compatible recesses and connecting elements, allowing for simple assembly and adaptation to various tasks, with profile pieces serving both static support and guiding functions, and the use of spacer elements for precise positioning of guide elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom-designed frame structures are used for each machine tool application, then the guidance system can be adapted to specific machine tool requirements and installation space, but the production complexity increases and costs rise significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is divided into modular profile pieces that can be combined in different configurations. Each profile piece is a standardized component with specific geometric features (recesses, connecting elements) that allow flexible assembly into various frame designs suitable for different machine tool applications without requiring custom manufacturing for each case.
Solution Approach 2:
The profile pieces are designed as universal components that can serve multiple functions: providing structural support, creating guide ways through integrated recesses, and enabling flexible assembly configurations. The same profile piece can be used in different positions and orientations to adapt to various installation spaces and machine tool requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom-designed frame structures are used for each machine tool application, then the guidance system can be adapted to specific machine tool requirements, but the production cost increases to a large extent
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the frame into standardized profile pieces, the system enables economies of scale in manufacturing. Each profile piece can be produced using identical processes and tooling, reducing per-unit costs compared to custom-designed frames. The modular nature allows high-volume production of standardized components that are then assembled into application-specific configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The profile pieces offer variability in parameters such as length, orientation, and configuration of recesses while maintaining the same basic component design. This allows adaptation to different applications through parameter selection rather than complete redesign, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining versatility.
3Reliability
If separate support structures and guide attachments are used, then the structural support and guiding functions can be independently optimized, but the device complexity and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The profile pieces integrate multiple functions into single components: the frame structure itself incorporates guide way recesses, connecting elements for assembly, and support features. This merging eliminates the need for separate guide attachments and reduces the overall number of components, simplifying both the device structure and assembly process while maintaining reliable guidance functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Each profile piece serves multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support, creating guiding surfaces through integrated recesses, enabling connection to other components, and facilitating assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and simplifies the overall system while maintaining the reliability of the guidance function.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a modular guide system for covers, in particular of machine tools, having a plurality of frame parts which are assembled in a modular manner to form a support frame, on which guide elements for guiding the cover are formed. The frame parts have at least two profiled sections (12, 14) or two sets of profiled sections (12, 14) that have different profiles. According to the invention, two identical profiled sections (12, 14) and two profiled sections with different profiles (12, 14) can be joined together to receive a respective guide element.