Monobody vibration table

Abstract

A monobody vibration table includes a lower plate having a lower surface configured to rest upon a horizontal base surface, an upper plate spaced apart from the lower plate at a height above the lower plate such that the lower plate is located vertically between the upper plate and the horizontal base surface, the upper plate having an upper surface configured to support a load to be vibrated, and a plurality of linear spring elements extending between the lower plate and the upper plate. Each of the plurality of linear spring elements couple the lower plate to the upper plate, and each of the plurality of linear spring elements are formed integrally as a single component with the upper plate and the lower plate.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 214887-0029-W001MONOBODY VIBRATION TABLECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 63 / 734,426, titled Monobody Vibration Table, filed December 16, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Vibration tables are used in material preparation activities such as mixing, curing, and drying. In some uses for ceramic casting, vibration tables can promote compaction of ceramic particles and remove air bubbles within a poured slurry.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a monobody vibration table including: a lower plate having a lower surface configured to rest upon a horizontal base surface; an upper plate spaced apart from the lower plate at a height above the lower plate such that the lower plate is located vertically between the upper plate and the horizontal base surface, the upper plate having an upper surface configured to support a load to be vibrated; a plurality of linear spring elements extending between the lower plate and the upper plate, each of the plurality of linear spring elements coupling the lower plate to the upper plate, and each of the plurality of linear spring elements formed integrally as a single component with the upper plate and the lower plate.

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a monobody vibration table, further including: a bracket integrally formed as a single component with the upper plate, extending from an underside of the upper plate; and a motor coupled to the upper plate via the bracket, wherein an output shaft of the motor is coupled to an eccentric load.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a monobody vibration table, wherein the upper surface is configured to support a load to be mixed, compacted, or degassed.1MBF\214887\0029\52318102.vl-12 / 10 / 25Attorney Docket No. 214887-0029-W001

[0006] Tn some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a monobody vibration table, wherein each of the plurality of linear spring elements includes a first vertical portion extending from the upper plate, a second vertical portion extending from the lower plate, and a third portion connecting the first vertical portion to the second vertical portion.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a monobody vibration table, wherein the third portion forms a generally C-shaped profile.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a monobody vibration table, wherein a thickness of each of the plurality of linear spring elements is less than a width of each of the plurality of linear spring elements such that a vibrational direction is limited to a direction perpendicular to the thickness.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a monobody vibration table, wherein the lower plate, the upper plate, and the plurality of linear spring elements are formed via additive manufacturing.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a monobody vibration table, wherein the additive manufacturing includes fused deposition modeling or selective laser sintering.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a monobody vibration table, wherein the lower plate, the upper plate, and the plurality of linear spring elements are formed of a material selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate, nylon, and an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene / polycarbonate blend.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a monobody vibration table, wherein the lower plate includes a substantially rectangular frame with lengthwise braces and diagonal braces.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a monobody vibration table, wherein the upper plate includes lengthwise braces and a widthwise brace.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a monobody vibration table, wherein the fastener securing the motor to the bracket includes a hose clamp.2MBF\214887\0029\52318102.vl-12 / 10 / 25Attorney Docket No. 214887-0029-W001

[0015] Tn some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a monobody vibration table, further including a variable voltage power supply electrically connected to the motor.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of vibrating a load, the method including: providing a monobody vibration table including a lower plate, an upper plate spaced apart from the lower plate, and a plurality of linear spring elements extending between the lower plate and the upper plate, wherein the lower plate, the upper plate, and the plurality of linear spring elements are formed integrally as a single component; positioning the lower plate on a horizontal base surface; placing the load on an upper surface of the upper plate; and actuating a motor coupled to the upper plate to generate vibrations in the upper plate relative to the lower plate.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein actuating the motor includes rotating an eccentric load coupled to an output shaft of the motor.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including adjusting a speed of the motor via a variable voltage power supply to control an intensity of the vibrations.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the load includes a ceramic slurry, and wherein the vibrations promote compaction of ceramic particles and removal of air bubbles within the ceramic slurry.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a monobody vibration table for processing a ceramic slurry, the monobody vibration table including: a lower plate having a lower surface configured to rest upon a horizontal base surface, the lower plate including a frame with braces defining gaps therebetween; an upper plate spaced apart from the lower plate at a height above the lower plate, the upper plate having an upper surface configured to support a container holding the ceramic slurry to be compacted and degassed; a plurality of linear spring elements extending between the lower plate and the upper plate, each of the plurality of linear spring elements coupling the lower plate to the upper plate, each of the plurality of linear spring elements formed integrally as a single component with the upper plate and the lower plate, and each of the plurality of linear spring elements including a first vertical portion extending from the3MBF\214887\0029\52318102.vl-12 / 10 / 25Attorney Docket No. 214887-0029-W001 upper plate, a second vertical portion extending from the lower plate, and a third portion connecting the first vertical portion to the second vertical portion; a bracket integrally formed as a single component with the upper plate, extending from an underside of the upper plate; and a motor coupled to the upper plate via the bracket, wherein an output shaft of the motor is coupled to an eccentric load configured to generate vibrations in the upper plate relative to the lower plate upon actuation of the motor.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a monobody vibration table, wherein the third portion of each of the plurality of linear spring elements forms a generally C- shaped profile extending inward towards a space between the lower plate and the upper plate.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a monobody vibration table, wherein the lower plate, the upper plate, the plurality of linear spring elements, and the bracket are formed via additive manufacturing from a material selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate, nylon, and an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene / polycarbonate blend.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a monobody vibration table.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a front view of the monobody vibration table of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a side view of the monobody vibration table of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the monobody vibration table of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a top view of the monobody vibration table of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a further perspective view of the monobody vibration table of FIG. 1.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a further perspective view of the monobody vibration table of FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a further perspective view of the monobody vibration table of FIG. 1.4MBF\214887\0029\52318102.vl-12 / 10 / 25Attorney Docket No. 214887-0029-W001

[0031] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1-8, a monobody vibration table 100 includes a lower plate 104, an upper plate 108, and a plurality (e.g., as shown, four) of linear spring elements 112 that extend from the lower plate 104 to the upper plate 108 such that the upper plate 108 is suspended vertically above the lower plate 104. The lower plate 104, the upper plate 108, and the linear spring elements 112 are collectively formed as a single component. The monobody vibration table 100 may be formed via additive manufacturing, such as via fused deposition modeling (FDM) or selective laser sintering (SLS) from a material such as polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), nylon, or an ABS / PC blend. In some embodiments, each of the lower plate 104, the upper plate 108, and the linear spring elements 112 are formed of the same material. In other embodiments, some elements, such as the linear spring elements 112 may be formed partially or wholly of a dissimilar material, via, for example, an additive manufacturing machine configured to print multiple materials within a single build.

[0033] The lower plate 104 defines a lower surface 104A of the monobody vibration table 100 that is configured to rest upon a horizontal base surface such as a table or a ground surface. In some embodiments, the lower plate 104 is clamped to the horizontal base surface via a clamping mechanism (not shown) to prevent movement of the lower plate 104 relative to the horizontal base surface upon movement of the upper plate 108. The lower plate 104 includes a substantially rectangular frame with lengthwise braces 116A extending along a length of the lower plate 104 and diagonal braces 116B extending between opposing comers of the lower plate 104. Other bracing and designs may be utilized, such as a cross-pattern or longitudinal and widthwise braces, only longitudinal braces, only diagonal braces, or a solid surface. Gaps formed between the braces 116A, 116B provide locations for clamping mechanisms and / or areas for drainage, depending on5MBF\214887\0029\52318102.vl-12 / 10 / 25Attorney Docket No. 214887-0029-W001 the particular use of the monobody vibration table 100. While the lower plate 104 is shown as generally rectangular, other shapes may be utilized to correspond to the horizontal base surface on which the lower plate 104 rests and / or the shape and size of the clamping mechanism utilized to hold the lower plate 104 to the horizontal base surface.

[0034] In some embodiments, the upper plate 108 is sized and shaped generally similar to the lower plate 104 such that the perimeter of the upper plate 108 is positioned substantially vertically above the perimeter of the lower plate 104 (FIGS. 4-5) when the lower surface 104A of the lower plate 104 rests upon the horizontal base surface. The upper plate 108 defines an upper surface 108 A of the monobody vibration table 100 and the surface upon which the material to be mixed, cured, dried, etc. rests. The upper plate 108 includes lengthwise braces 120A extending along a length of the upper plate 108 (and parallel with the lengthwise braces 116A of the lower plate 104) and a widthwise brace 120B located centrally along the length of the upper plate 108 and extending in a widthwise direction, perpendicular to the direction of the lengthwise braces 120A. Other bracing and designs may be utilized, such as a cross-pattern or longitudinal and widthwise braces, only longitudinal braces, only diagonal braces, or a solid surface. Although shown as rectangular, in some embodiments, the size and shape of the upper plate 108 may be custom tailored for the particular application of mixing, curing, drying, etc.

[0035] The linear spring elements 112 extend vertically between the lower and upper plates 104, 108, couple the lower plate 104 to the upper plate 108, and are formed integrally as a single component with the lower and upper plates 104, 108. Each linear spring element 112 acts as a beam in bending, providing resistance as flexural (bending) stresses are developed due to deflection in the direction of the weak axis of the cross-sectional shape of the linear spring element 112. As shown, each linear spring element 112 includes a first vertical portion 112A extending downward from the upper plate 108 towards the lower plate 104, a second vertical portion 112B extending upward from the lower plate 104 towards the upper plate 104, and a third portion 112C connecting a lower end of the first portion 112A to an upper end of the second portion 112B. As shown, the third portion 112C deviates from a vertical direction, forming a generally C-shaped profile, inward towards the space between the lower and upper plates 104, 108. The third portion 112C increases the effective length of the linear spring elements 112 without significantly increasing the distance between the lower and upper plates 104, 108. In other embodiments, the6MBF\214887\0029\52318102.vl-12 / 10 / 25Attorney Docket No. 214887-0029-W001C-shaped profile of the third portion 1 12C may extend outward and away from area between the lower and upper plates 104, 108. In still other embodiments, the profile may be non-C-shaped (e.g., S-shaped, vertical, etc.). A thickness of each of the linear spring elements 112 is significantly less than a width of the linear spring element 112 such that a vibrational direction is limited to the direction perpendicular to the thickness of the linear spring elements 112. The thickness direction of each linear spring element 112 is consistent. In some embodiments, the thickness of the linear spring element 112 is decreased in the third portion 112C relative to the first and second portions 112A, 112B.

[0036] With reference to FIGS. 2-3, a motor 124 is coupled to an underside (opposite the upper surface 108A) of the upper plate 108. In particular, a bracket 128 is integrally formed as a single component with the upper plate 108 that provides a mounting profile for engaging the motor 124. A fastener 132 (e.g., a hose clamp) holds the motor 124 to the bracket 128. An eccentric load 136 (e.g. unbalanced mass) is coupled to an output shaft of the motor 124 such that when the motor 124 is actuated, the eccentric load 136 introduces an uneven distribution of force around the rotational axis of the motor 124, causing a periodic "wobble" or displacement as the unbalanced mass rotates, resulting in a cyclical force that generates vibrations in the upper plate 108, relative to the lower plate. The motor 124 is powered via a power source 140 (FIGS. 7-8; e.g., a power cable electrically connected to an outlet). In some embodiments, the power source 140 includes a variable voltage power supply, with which the speed and intensity of the motor shaft rotation and resultant vibration may be adjusted. The load (e.g., materials to be mixed, compacted, degassed, etc.) is secured to the upper plate 108 to vibrate with upper plate 108. A container 300 (FIG. 7) may be positioned on the upper surface 108 A of the upper plate 108 to hold the load (e.g., materials to be mixed, compacted, degassed, etc.). The container 300 is secured to the upper plate 108 to vibrate with the upper plate 108. In some aspects, the container 300 may hold a ceramic slurry, and the vibrations generated by the motor 124 may promote compaction of ceramic particles and removal of air bubbles within the ceramic slurry. In other aspects, the container 300 may hold other materials suitable for mixing, curing, drying, or other material preparation activities.

[0037] Additive manufacturing methods provide the ability to manufacture the monobody shaker table 100 as a single component. To prevent fracture of the linear spring elements 112 during vibration, the shaker table 100 may be printed in a rotated orientation such that the full7MBF\214887\0029\52318102.vl-12 / 10 / 25Attorney Docket No. 214887-0029-W001 profile of the linear spring element 112 (including the first, second, and third portions 1 12A, 112B, 112C) within a single layer. Processes such as fused deposition modeling (FDM) and selective laser sintering (SLS) and a material choice for the same, such as PLA, ABS, PC, nylon, or an ABS / PC blend, provide the flexibility necessary for vibration of linear spring elements 112 and the rigidity necessary for the structural integrity of the lower and upper plates 104, 108.

[0038] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described.8MBF\214887\0029\52318102.vl-12 / 10 / 25

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 214887-0029-W001CLAIMS1. A monobody vibration table comprising: a lower plate having a lower surface configured to rest upon a horizontal base surface; an upper plate spaced apart from the lower plate at a height above the lower plate such that the lower plate is located vertically between the upper plate and the horizontal base surface, the upper plate having an upper surface configured to support a load to be vibrated; and a plurality of linear spring elements extending between the lower plate and the upper plate, each of the plurality of linear spring elements coupling the lower plate to the upper plate, and each of the plurality of linear spring elements formed integrally as a single component with the upper plate and the lower plate.

2. The monobody vibration table of claim 1, further comprising: a bracket integrally formed as a single component with the upper plate, extending from an underside of the upper plate; and a motor coupled to the upper plate via the bracket, wherein an output shaft of the motor is coupled to an eccentric load.

3. The monobody vibration table of claim 2, further comprising a fastener securing the motor to the bracket, wherein the fastener includes a hose clamp.

4. The monobody vibration table of claim 2, further comprising a variable voltage power supply electrically connected to the motor.

5. The monobody vibration table of claim 1, wherein the upper surface is configured to support a load to be mixed, compacted, or degassed.

6. The monobody vibration table of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of linear spring elements includes a first vertical portion extending from the upper plate, a second vertical portion extending from the lower plate, and a third portion connecting the first vertical portion to the second vertical portion.9MBF\214887\0029\52318102.vl-12 / 10 / 25Attorney Docket No. 214887-0029-W0017. The monobody vibration table of claim 6, wherein the third portion forms a generally C- shaped profile.

8. The monobody vibration table of claim 1, wherein a thickness of each of the plurality of linear spring elements is less than a width of each of the plurality of linear spring elements such that a vibrational direction is limited to a direction perpendicular to the thickness.

9. The monobody vibration table of claim 1, wherein the lower plate, the upper plate, and the plurality of linear spring elements are formed via additive manufacturing.

10. The monobody vibration table of claim 9, wherein the additive manufacturing includes fused deposition modeling or selective laser sintering.

11. The monobody vibration table of claim 1, wherein the lower plate, the upper plate, and the plurality of linear spring elements are formed of a material selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate, nylon, and an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene / polycarbonate blend.

12. The monobody vibration table of claim 1, wherein the lower plate includes a substantially rectangular frame with lengthwise braces and diagonal braces.

13. The monobody vibration table of claim 1, wherein the upper plate includes lengthwise braces and a widthwise brace.10MBF\214887\0029\52318102.vl-12 / 10 / 25Attorney Docket No. 214887-0029-W00114. A method of vibrating a load, the method comprising: providing a monobody vibration table including a lower plate, an upper plate spaced apart from the lower plate, and a plurality of linear spring elements extending between the lower plate and the upper plate, wherein the lower plate, the upper plate, and the plurality of linear spring elements are formed integrally as a single component; positioning the lower plate on a horizontal base surface; placing the load on an upper surface of the upper plate; and actuating a motor coupled to the upper plate to generate vibrations in the upper plate relative to the lower plate.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein actuating the motor includes rotating an eccentric load coupled to an output shaft of the motor.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising adjusting a speed of the motor via a variable voltage power supply to control an intensity of the vibrations.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the load includes a ceramic slurry, and wherein the vibrations promote compaction of ceramic particles and removal of air bubbles within the ceramic slurry.11MBF\214887\0029\52318102.vl-12 / 10 / 25Attorney Docket No. 214887-0029-W00118. A monobody vibration table for processing a ceramic slurry, the monobody vibration table comprising: a lower plate having a lower surface configured to rest upon a horizontal base surface, the lower plate including a frame with braces defining gaps therebetween; an upper plate spaced apart from the lower plate at a height above the lower plate, the upper plate having an upper surface configured to support a container holding the ceramic slurry to be compacted and degassed; a plurality of linear spring elements extending between the lower plate and the upper plate, each of the plurality of linear spring elements coupling the lower plate to the upper plate, each of the plurality of linear spring elements formed integrally as a single component with the upper plate and the lower plate, and each of the plurality of linear spring elements including a first vertical portion extending from the upper plate, a second vertical portion extending from the lower plate, and a third portion connecting the first vertical portion to the second vertical portion; a bracket integrally formed as a single component with the upper plate, extending from an underside of the upper plate; and a motor coupled to the upper plate via the bracket, wherein an output shaft of the motor is coupled to an eccentric load configured to generate vibrations in the upper plate relative to the lower plate upon actuation of the motor.

19. The monobody vibration table of claim 18, wherein the third portion of each of the plurality of linear spring elements forms a generally C-shaped profile extending inward towards a space between the lower plate and the upper plate.

20. The monobody vibration table of claim 18, wherein the lower plate, the upper plate, the plurality of linear spring elements, and the bracket are formed via additive manufacturing from a material selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate, nylon, and an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene / polycarbonate blend.12MBF\214887\0029\52318102.vl-12 / 10 / 25

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