Ribbed Machine Bed Layout for Rigidity and Chip Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools face challenges in achieving high rigidity while effectively removing large amounts of metal chips and cooling lubricant, often requiring compromises that affect manufacturing precision and safety.

Innovation Solution

The machine tool features a support structure with interconnected ribs, where first main ribs extend obliquely from guide rails to machine feet, and second main ribs from the machine table to machine feet, creating a 3-point support and separate load introduction paths, allowing for increased rigidity and integrated chip removal devices within the machine bed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the machine bed is designed with high rigidity using internal support structures, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the ability to remove large quantities of metal chips and cooling lubricant deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing precisionVSAvoidchip removal capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine bed is segmented into functional zones using ribs that create distinct load-bearing structures and chip removal channels. The support ribs and load-introducing ribs divide the bed structure into separate functional regions, allowing rigid support structures to coexist with efficient chip removal pathways without interfering with each other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes the vertical dimension by designing the machine bed with a specific cross-sectional shape (upside-down triangle) and positioning ribs at optimized heights. This three-dimensional arrangement allows load-bearing elements to operate in one vertical zone while chip removal channels function in another, resolving the conflict between structural rigidity and chip ejection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If guide rails are positioned close to the edge of the machine bed to maximize guide carriage spacing, then rigidity is improved, but space for chip removal devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverigidityVSAvoidspace for chip removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention resolves this spatial conflict by utilizing the vertical dimension and creating multi-level rib structures. Load-introducing ribs extend diagonally from the guide rail region toward the machine feet, while support ribs provide vertical reinforcement. This three-dimensional arrangement maximizes horizontal guide carriage spacing while maintaining structural rigidity and preserving space for chip removal devices in the available volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The rib structures are nested within the machine bed's cross-sectional geometry, with multiple ribs arranged in a compact upside-down triangular configuration. This nested arrangement allows the machine bed to maintain external dimensions optimized for guide carriage spacing while incorporating internal rigid support structures and chip removal pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3446826B1Machine tool
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 DMG MORI SEEBACH GMBH
  • EP3446826B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3446826B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3446826B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a machine tool comprising the following: a machine bed 10 supported on machine feet 3, 3a, which is formed from a supporting structure of interconnected ribs, wherein two guide rails 1 are arranged on the top side, on opposite outer sides of the machine bed 10, and a machine table 2 is provided between the two guide rails 1, wherein first main ribs 11 are provided on both sides of the machine bed 10, the profile of which begins in the cross-section of the machine bed 10 below the guide rails 1 and extends obliquely inwards in the machine bed 10 towards the outer machine feet 3a in order to transfer loads acting on the guide rails 1 into the machine feet 3, 3a.