Open-Profile Machine Frame for Hygienic Flexible Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packaging machine frames with traditional profile elements face issues of rigidity and hygiene due to open holes for assembly adjustments, allowing dust, dirt, and vermin entry, which complicates maintenance and reduces flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A machine frame with open profile elements made from conductive sheet metal, such as stainless steel, providing torsional rigidity through connected cross and longitudinal members, and featuring a design with inclined webs for load distribution and protection, along with adjustable mounting holes for easy modification and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If holes are drilled into profile elements to secure cross members, then functional assemblies can be mounted and relocated, but dust, dirt, and vermin can penetrate the profile element compromising hygiene
Solution Approach 1:
Mounting holes are provided in the longitudinal members before final assembly, allowing functional assemblies to be mounted at multiple predetermined positions. The holes are designed to be sealed with caps or plugs when not in use, preventing dust and dirt penetration while maintaining the ability to relocate functional assemblies along the longitudinal members.
2Ease of operation
If profile elements with open profiles are used, then all surfaces are accessible for cleaning, but torsional rigidity against twisting is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The machine frame is divided into modular components: open-profile longitudinal members for cleaning accessibility, and separate cross members that provide torsional rigidity when connected to the longitudinal members. The cross members act as stiffening elements that compensate for the lower torsional rigidity of the open-profile longitudinal members while maintaining cleaning accessibility.
3Reliability
If the machine frame is grounded at multiple points, then electrical conductivity is ensured, but production costs and assembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal members serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable cleaning accessibility through their open profiles, and simultaneously serve as grounding conductors. By making the longitudinal members themselves electrically conductive (using conductive materials or conductive coatings), the need for separate grounding cables and multiple grounding points is eliminated, reducing both cost and complexity while maintaining grounding reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a machine frame (100), in particular for a packaging machine, comprising a plurality of supports (102, 104), namely at least one longitudinal support (102) and at least one transverse support (104). The machine frame according to the invention is characterized in that at least one of the supports (102, 104) is formed by a profile element (110) with an open profile. According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a fastening arrangement comprising a machine frame (100) according to the invention and at least one fastening element for fastening a functional assembly (108) to a profile element (110) by engaging at least one mounting hole (124).