Open-Profile Machine Frame for Hygienic Modular Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine frames for packaging machines face challenges in maintaining rigidity and hygiene due to the presence of apertures for fastening functional modules, which allow dust, dirt, and bugs to enter, making modifications inconvenient and laborious.
Innovation Solution
A machine frame with open profile elements, such as sheet metal profiles, that are torsionally stiff due to connected crossbeams and longitudinal supports, allowing for easy cleaning and reduced need for separate grounding cables, with features like support ribs and obliquely extending ribs for enhanced stability and protection of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If closed profile elements with apertures are used for fastening functional modules, then the machine frame achieves sufficient rigidity, but dust and dirt can enter through remaining apertures compromising hygiene
Solution Approach 1:
The profile element is divided into multiple apertures distributed along its length, allowing functional modules to be fastened at different positions. This segmentation enables flexible modification while maintaining structural integrity and rigidity of the machine frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful factor (dust and dirt accumulation in closed profiles) is eliminated by extracting the enclosing wall and using an open profile design. The open profile allows cleaning devices to access all surfaces while maintaining sufficient rigidity through the aperture structure.
2Reliability
If open profile elements are used, then all surfaces are accessible for cleaning improving hygiene, but the profile element exhibits reduced torsional stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The profile element uses a curved or bent geometry (U-shaped, C-shaped, or Z-shaped cross-sections) instead of straight open sections. These curved configurations provide torsional stiffness comparable to closed profiles while maintaining open accessibility for cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The profile element combines multiple materials or structures (such as metal sheets folded into specific shapes, or composite materials with high stiffness-to-weight ratios) to achieve sufficient torsional rigidity while maintaining an open profile configuration for hygiene purposes.
3Reliability
If multiple grounding cables are used to ensure electrical conductivity, then sufficient grounding is achieved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The profile element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables hygiene cleaning through open design, and ensures electrical conductivity through its inherently conductive material (such as metal). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate grounding cables, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a machine frame, such as for a packaging machine, comprising a plurality of supports, specifically at least one longitudinal support and at least one crossbeam. The machine frame according to the invention is characterized in that at least one of the supports is formed by a profile element having an open profile. According to a second aspect the invention relates to a fastening assembly comprising a machine frame according to the invention and at least one fastening element for fastening a functional module to a profile element by engagement in at least one mounting hole.