Production Cell Frame With Integrated Bending Tabs

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing frameworks for production cells are costly and time-consuming to manufacture due to the need for separate head plates and welding, which increases production costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

The framework features cross braces with integrated fastening straps formed by cutting and bending the longitudinal walls, eliminating the need for separate components and welding, and allowing for easy line routing and high mechanical strength through connecting means.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If separate end plates are manufactured and welded to crossbeams, then high connection strength is achieved, but manufacturing cost and production time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The end plate function is merged with the crossbeam by integrating the fastening tab directly into the crossbeam structure. The tab is formed by bending over an end section of the longitudinal wall of the crossbeam, eliminating the need for separate end plate components and their associated manufacturing and welding processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening function is extracted from a separate component (end plate) and integrated into the crossbeam structure itself through the bending of the longitudinal wall to form an integral tab, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Strength

If separate end plates are welded to crossbeams, then high connection strength is achieved, but production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The end plate function is merged with the crossbeam by integrating the fastening tab directly into the crossbeam structure. The tab is formed by bending over an end section of the longitudinal wall of the crossbeam, eliminating the need for separate end plate components and their associated manufacturing and welding processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening tab is pre-formed as an integral part of the crossbeam during the crossbeam manufacturing process itself, rather than being added as a separate step. This preliminary integration of the fastening function into the main structure eliminates subsequent assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If tight manufacturing tolerances are maintained for welded end plates, then precise fit is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The end plate function is merged with the crossbeam by integrating the fastening tab directly into the crossbeam structure. The tab is formed by bending over an end section of the longitudinal wall of the crossbeam, eliminating the need for separate end plate components and their associated manufacturing and welding processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution reduces manufacturing costs and time while maintaining high tolerances, enabling efficient line layout and easy dismantling, with enhanced mechanical load-bearing capacity and connection rigidity.

Implementation Method 1

The fastening tab itself is formed by cutting out and bending over an end section of the longitudinal wall of the cross member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBending: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

By using suitable manufacturing processes, such as laser cutting, the mounting tab can be produced very cost-effectively while maintaining tight manufacturing tolerances

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser cutting: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 3

If higher forces act on the individual mounting tabs, these forces can be transferred between the individual mounting tabs via the connecting element and thus distributed evenly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce transfer: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3678268B1Frame for a production cell
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 OTTO SCHIMSCHA METALLBAU GMBH
  • EP3678268B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3678268B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3678268B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a frame (01) for a production cell, comprising vertical posts (02) and horizontal cross members (03), wherein the cross members (03) are connected to the posts (02) at their ends, and wherein the cross members (03) are connected to the posts (02) at their ends in a spatial grid, and wherein the cross members (03) have openings (41) for cables on at least one end face (10) and on at least one longitudinal wall, and wherein the posts (02) have openings (07) for the passage of cables at the attachment points to which the cross members (03) are attached, wherein the cross members (03) each have at least one fastening tab (14, 15, 16) on their end face with which the cross members (03) can be attached to the posts (02), wherein the fastening tab (14, 15, 16) is integrally formed with a longitudinal wall (11, 12, 13). the crossbar (03) is connected, and wherein the fastening tab (14, 15,16) is formed by cutting out and bending over an end section of the longitudinal wall (11, 12, 13) of the transverse strut (03).