Ambidextrous Breakage System for Ceramic Cutting Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-point breakage systems in ceramic cutting machines interfere with the sliding carriage, complicating the tracing and breakage processes, especially for left-handed users since the actuating lever is often positioned on one side of the guides, limiting ergonomic operation.
Innovation Solution
An ambidextrous breakage system with an extractable actuating lever positioned outside the guides, allowing for independent operation by right- or left-handed users, featuring a through shaft with holes for coupling the lever, a cam, die, and separator with bearings for reduced force and ergonomic tracing and breaking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuating lever is positioned on the right side of the guides, then right-handed users can operate the machine efficiently, but left-handed users experience ergonomic difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating lever is made movable between two fixed positions (right side and left side of the guides), allowing the operator to dynamically adjust the lever position according to their handedness. This dynamic repositioning capability enables both right-handed and left-handed users to operate the machine ergonomically without requiring two separate machines.
2Reliability
If the actuating lever is positioned between the two guides, then the breakage system can function, but the lever interferes with the sliding carriage, complicating the tracing and breakage processes
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating lever is extracted from its traditional position between the guides and relocated to the exterior of the guides on one side. This extraction eliminates the interference with the sliding carriage during tracing operations, allowing the sliding carriage to move freely without obstruction while maintaining the breakage system's functionality through the lever's connection to the die and separator mechanism.
3Device complexity
If the actuating lever is fixed in position, then the machine structure is simple, but the machine cannot accommodate both right-handed and left-handed users
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating lever is designed with the capability to move between two fixed positions (right side and left side of the guides), transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. This movement capability is achieved through a through shaft with holes for coupling the lever, allowing it to be positioned on either side while maintaining structural integrity and functional performance.
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
Facilitates the cutting process by reducing the number of movements required for tracing and breaking ceramic pieces, enabling one-handed tracing and one-handed breaking without releasing the actuating lever, improving ergonomics and usability for both right- and left-handed operators.
Implementation Method 1
a cam (6)
Implementation Method 2
a die (8), located in the lower part of the breakage system below the supporting plane of the piece to be cut; and a separator (7) in the upper part of the breakage system, which in turns comprises a ram (15)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The object of the present invention relates to a breakage system applied to ceramic cutting machines, which configuration and design allows it to be used by right-handed or left-handed people. This breakage system solves the unresolved problem in the present state of the art with respect to the use of the cutting machine, such that it facilitates the cutting process regardless if the operator is right-handed or left-handed. This invention is especially applicable to the construction industry.