Reinforcement Net Application on Ceramic Slabs Without Overturning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for applying a reinforcement net to ceramic or stone slabs are complex, expensive, and require slabs to be overturned during processing, necessitating specialized and costly machinery to prevent damage and ensure precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
A plant and method that apply a reinforcement net to a slab without overturning it, using a rigid support element with a net and adhesive, allowing for automatic processing and eliminating the need for shock-absorbing coatings on the stretcher, enabling flexible net application without interrupting the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the slab is overturned onto a stretcher for net application, then the net can be applied to the lower face, but the machinery becomes complex and expensive requiring precise rotation and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of overturning the slab to apply the net to the lower face, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the slab in its original position and applying the net to the upper face. The adhesive is applied to the upper face of the slab, the net is placed on the adhesive, and the slab remains upright throughout the process, eliminating the need for complex overturning machinery.
2Ease of operation
If the stretcher is used to support the slab, then the slab can be positioned for processing, but shock-absorbing coating is required to prevent damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the slab from contact with the stretcher surface by applying the adhesive and net to the upper face of the slab while it remains in its original position. The lower face continues to rest on the stretcher without requiring special shock-absorbing coating, as the critical bonding operation occurs on the upper face away from the stretcher surface.
3Reliability
If the slab is rotated 180 degrees for net application, then the lower face is accessible, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs the net application operation preliminarily on the upper face of the slab before any rotation or repositioning is needed. By applying the adhesive and placing the net on the upper face while the slab is in its initial position, the process eliminates subsequent rotation steps and reduces overall processing time.
4Manufacturing precision
If specialized overturning machinery is used, then precise positioning is achieved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional approach by applying the net to the upper face of the slab in its original position rather than overturning the slab to access the lower face. This eliminates the need for expensive specialized overturning machinery while maintaining precise positioning through the adhesive bonding process.
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
This solution simplifies and economizes the reinforcement net application process, ensuring precise and reliable application without damaging the slabs, reducing operational costs, and maintaining the aesthetic quality of the slabs by avoiding contact with the stretcher's surface.
Implementation Method 1
depositing an adhesive substance onto the net placed on the rigid element, the adhesive substance being adapted to fix the net to a first face of the slab
Implementation Method 2
introduced into a drying oven in order to dry the adhesive substance, thus fixing the net on the slab
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a plant (1) for processing ceramic or stone slabs. The plant comprises a reinforcement net application station (4) for laying a net (R) on a rigid support element, and a station for depositing (5) an adhesive substance (A) onto the net placed on the rigid element. The adhesive substance (A) is adapted to fix the net (R) to a first face (L2) of the slab (L). The plant therefore comprises a loading station (6) to deposit the slab (L) onto the net (R), coated with adhesive substance (A), which lies on the rigid support element. A drying oven (7) is configured to receive the slab (L) to which the net (R) is applied, and to dry the adhesive substance (A). Finally, an unloading station (8) is configured to lift the slab (L) with the net (R) from the rigid support element (B). A corresponding method for processing ceramic or stone slabs is also described.