Tilting Splash Guard Cover for Compact Machine Tool Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools with existing splash guard devices are cumbersome for transportation due to their large size and require disassembly, which complicates handling and increases carbon footprint.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring a tiltable cover that reduces protrusion during transportation, allowing for compact size without compromising functionality, and a method for handling the tool that involves fixing and tilting the cover to optimize space usage and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the splash guard device is made large to cover the table surface, then the protective function is improved, but the transportation becomes difficult and requires disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to be tiltable between a first position (protruding through the opening to cover the table surface) and a second position (retracted to reduce protrusion). This dynamic positioning allows the cover to provide full protection during operation while minimizing transportation space when retracted, eliminating the need for disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover moves along the first direction (perpendicular to the wall) between two positions, utilizing spatial dimensionality to achieve both full coverage and compact transportation configuration without requiring disassembly or complex mechanisms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover protrudes through the opening to cover the table, then the protective function is improved, but the transportation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover transitions between a first position (protruding to cover the table surface for protection) and a second position (retracted to minimize protrusion). This dynamic adjustment allows the cover to provide full protective coverage during operation while reducing the overall volume and space requirement during transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed to be收纳 (stored) within or near the wall structure when in the retracted second position, effectively nesting the protective element within the machine tool's own structure to minimize external space requirements during transportation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover is fixed in the protruding position to maintain protection, then the protective function is improved, but the transportation and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is supported by a support member that enables it to rotate between the first position (protruding for protection) and the second position (retracted for transportation). This simple rotational mechanism eliminates the need for complex disassembly and reassembly procedures while maintaining full protective coverage during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is separated from the wall structure but connected via a simple support member, allowing independent movement between positions. This segmentation enables the cover to function as a protective barrier when needed while being easily repositioned for transportation without complex assembly requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool includes a table, a tool support, a mover, a first wall, a first cover, and a first support. The table is configured to support a workpiece and configured to move in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The tool support is configured to support a tool with which the workpiece is machined. The mover is configured to move the table in the first direction and the second direction. The first wall has a first opening and is provided on a side of the first direction with respect to the tool support. The first cover protrudes from the first wall in the first direction through the first opening. The first support supports the first cover such that the first cover is rotatable around an axis of the first support.