Offset Wire Tensioning Springs for Compact Machine Tool Sliding Door
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing two-stage linked sliding doors of machine tools face challenges in reducing the size and space required for the door linkage mechanism, which is limited due to the need to maintain constant wire tension and prevent slacking, especially when exposed to chips and coolant.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a wire tensioning structure where the wire tensioning springs are non-coaxially arranged to overlap in parallel, with the wire extending parallel to the door movement direction, and using offset elastic members to secure the wire ends, allowing for a reduced installation space and preventing forces other than the opening/closing force from acting on the door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wire tensioning springs are arranged coaxially on the same axis to maintain constant tension and prevent wire slacking, then wire reliability is improved, but the length of the wire tensioning portion increases, requiring more installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional coaxial arrangement to a two-dimensional offset arrangement. The two wire tensioning springs are positioned at different locations offset from the door movement axis, allowing the wire to be secured at points that do not lie on the same axis. This dimensional change enables constant tension maintenance while reducing the overall length of the wire tensioning portion and minimizing installation space requirements.
2Area of stationary object
If the wire tensioning portion length is reduced to minimize installation space, then the space for mechanical sections is reduced, but it becomes difficult to maintain constant wire tension and prevent slacking
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging wire tensioning springs at offset positions rather than coaxially, the patent achieves constant tension maintenance within a compact space. The offset arrangement allows the springs to exert tension forces that effectively constrain the wire without requiring excessive length along the door movement axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The two wire tensioning springs are positioned to provide balanced tension forces that counteract each other's potential instability. This counterbalancing arrangement ensures constant wire tension while fitting within limited installation space, as the offset positions allow the springs to work together to maintain equilibrium.
3Area of stationary object
If wire tensioning springs are arranged offset to reduce installation space, then the space for mechanical sections is minimized, but the complexity of securing the wire increases
Solution Approach 1:
The offset arrangement of wire tensioning springs, while reducing installation space, introduces a moderate increase in complexity for securing the wire at non-coaxial positions. However, this complexity is acceptable given the significant space savings and the reliability benefits of maintaining constant tension in a compact configuration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for a compact door linkage mechanism that maintains constant tension and prevents wire slacking, enabling efficient operation while minimizing the space required, thus enhancing production efficiency by reducing the size and space needed for the mechanical sections.
Implementation Method 1
two elastic members individually pulling the opposite end portions of the wire... The wire 5 is secured to a door frame 8 by means of wire tensioning springs 9 and 10. Thus, a wire tensioning spring supporting member 11 is secured to the door frame 8.
Data Source
AI summary
A two-stage linked sliding door of a machine tool is provided with a first door half and a second door half movable through different strokes. Pulleys are disposed individually at two opposite end portions of the second door half, and a wire is stretched between the pulleys. The opposite end portions of the wire are secured to the door frame or the first door half by two wire tensioning springs, individually, such that the opposite end portions face each other. These two springs are juxtaposed and offset with each other so that their respective central axes do not line on the same axis.