Modular Work Table Frame with Replaceable Contact Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional work tables for metal processing, such as those used in welding, face issues with dirt and damage on the support surface, leading to unreliable clamping and adjustment, and require costly and time-consuming replacement of components when soiled or damaged.
Innovation Solution
A modular work table design featuring a frame component with an exchangeable contact element that can be easily replaced or rotated to maintain a clean and undamaged support surface, ensuring stability and adaptability to different workpiece dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a solid table surface is used in conventional work tables, then the table provides stable support for workpieces, but the table cannot be converted or adapted to workpieces with different dimensions without replacing the entire table top
Solution Approach 1:
The table surface is segmented into multiple individual frame members (support beams) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each frame member carries contact elements that can be selectively placed along the length of the beams, allowing the table to be reconfigured for different workpiece dimensions without replacing the entire table top.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the support surface of frame components is used for workpiece contact, then the table can be adjusted for different dimensions, but the surface can become soiled by welding beads or damaged by impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface is divided into multiple replaceable contact elements (such as bristles or small rollers) that are individually mounted on frame members. When a contact element becomes soiled or damaged, only that single element needs to be replaced rather than the entire frame component, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact elements are designed as inexpensive, easily replaceable components that can be quickly swapped out when contaminated or damaged. These elements serve as consumable parts that protect the more valuable and complex frame structure from direct contact with workpieces and welding debris.
3Reliability
If the surface of a sliding frame component becomes soiled or damaged, then complete replacement of the component is required, but this is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The frame component is segmented into a durable structural part (the frame member itself) and replaceable contact elements. This segmentation allows the structural component to be reused while only the contaminated contact elements are replaced, dramatically reducing maintenance time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact elements are extracted as separate, removable components from the frame structure. They can be individually accessed and replaced without disassembling or replacing the entire frame component, enabling rapid maintenance while maintaining support surface integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3d
Figure 4
AI summary
The frame element (1) has a modular structure that is provided with a carrier element (2) and a contact element (3). A top surface (2a) of carrier element is attached at interchangeable contact element for forming support surface (5) for a workpiece. The contact element is provided with a rectangular section, so that two different side surfaces (3a,3b) are fastened on carrier element. An independent claim is included for a modular worktable.