Variable Length Protective Cover With Overlapping Lamellae
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable-length protective covers for machine tools face challenges in production complexity, visual aesthetics, and operational safety due to protruding intermediate folds, which complicate attachment and cleaning, and may not fully cover dynamic access openings effectively.
Innovation Solution
The design features regular folds with intermediate folds of equal edge length, allowing standard fold formation, maximizing extension length, and using overlapping slats and folds as reinforcing ribs, with optional frame elements and a bellows structure for enhanced stability and coverage, and eliminating pull-out safeguards to minimize weight and parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If intermediate folds are formed by joining fold layers to create rigid attachment points, then lamellae can be securely fixed, but the intermediate folds protrude outwards causing visual unappeal and cleaning difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding intermediate folds are extracted and removed from the design. Instead of having intermediate folds protrude outward, the patent integrates the attachment function directly into the bellows structure at the fold locations, eliminating the need for protruding rigid elements while maintaining secure lamellae fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows structure is designed with localized reinforcement at specific fold positions where lamellae need attachment. The material thickness or structural density is increased locally at these attachment points to provide the necessary rigidity for secure fastening, while the rest of the bellows remains flexible and smooth for easy cleaning.
2Ease of manufacture
If intermediate folds are shortened to improve appearance and cleaning, then standard fold configuration can be used, but the extension length of the protective cover is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows is designed as a dynamic structure with folds of uniform length that can fully extend and compress. The intermediate folds are formed by joining fold layers rather than shortening them, allowing the bellows to achieve maximum extension length while maintaining a clean appearance without protruding elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of creating rigid attachment points and maintaining full extension length are merged by joining fold layers at intermediate positions. This integration allows the bellows to achieve both secure lamellae attachment and maximum operational extension without compromising either function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional frame or support elements are added to increase stability, then the protective cover becomes more rigid, but the weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a bellows structure made of flexible material that provides inherent stability through its folded geometry. The bellows itself acts as the primary support structure, eliminating the need for additional rigid frame or support elements. The flexible nature of the bellows allows it to maintain stability while adapting to dynamic movements in machine tool applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows is segmented into multiple folds that work together to provide structural stability. Each fold acts as a structural element, and the cumulative effect of multiple segments creates a stable yet flexible support system without requiring additional frame components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a variable length protective cover (10), which has at least one fold element (12) having a plurality of folds (14, 16), wherein the fold element (12) has folds designed as intermediate folds (16) at regular spacing intervals, which consist of two fold layers of a fold, lying flat atop each other, having a kink point (18), and to which lamellar elements (20) are fixed, which have L-shaped cross-sections, wherein one limb (28) is fixed to the intermediate fold (16), while the other limbs (30) telescopically overlap. In order to create a protective cover, which can cover a maximum stroke by means of a certain number of lamellae, according to the invention the lamellar elements (20) are attached in the region of the kink points (28) of the intermediate folds (16).