Dual Platform Bed System for Stone Slab Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for processing and transporting large stone slabs are inefficient, requiring significant human labor, leading to high worker danger, machine downtime, and excessive physical real estate usage, as they involve manual handling and separate processing stations that are slow and cost-ineffective, with little innovation in the last hundred years.

Innovation Solution

A dual platform bed system with associated CNC machinery that allows for the transfer and processing of material sheets between platforms, reducing human worker and machine downtime by enabling continuous operation and minimizing physical real estate requirements through proximity of platforms and use of pneumatic vacuum clamps for efficient transfer of cut stone pieces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual handling and separate processing stations are used, then human worker input is required, but worker danger and machine downtime increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of slab transferVSAvoidworker safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated robotic system featuring a robotic arm equipped with specialized end effectors (clamps, grippers, or suction cups) that can securely grasp and manipulate stone slabs. This substitution eliminates direct human contact with heavy, sharp, and potentially hazardous materials while maintaining precise control over the transfer and processing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an automated robotic system as an intermediary between human operators and the stone slabs. This intermediary performs all dangerous tasks including lifting, transferring, positioning, and processing slabs, thereby protecting human workers from exposure to physical hazards such as crushing, cutting, and heavy lifting injuries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If separate processing stations are used, then processing can be performed, but physical real estate usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidfacility space

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate processing functions (cutting, polishing, drilling, routing) into a single integrated robotic workstation. The robotic arm can quickly exchange different end effectors or tools to perform various operations on the same slab without requiring physical relocation to separate stations, thereby consolidating space requirements while maintaining comprehensive processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dynamic, reconfigurable workstation where the robotic arm and end effectors can be rapidly adjusted and repositioned to perform different operations. This dynamic system replaces static, dedicated processing stations with a flexible platform that can adapt to various processing tasks, reducing the need for multiple fixed installations and optimizing space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If manual transfer methods are used, then simplicity is maintained, but machine downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidmachine downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous automated operation where the robotic arm maintains constant engagement with the stone slabs throughout the processing cycle. The system eliminates idle time between operations by seamlessly transitioning between tasks such as cutting, moving, repositioning, and finishing without requiring manual intervention, thereby maximizing machine utilization and minimizing downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates preliminary positioning and preparation actions performed by the robotic system before actual processing begins. The robotic arm pre-positions slabs, secures them with appropriate end effectors, and prepares the work area in advance, ensuring that processing operations can commence immediately without setup delays or machine downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system reduces human worker requirements, machine downtime, and physical real estate needs by nearly two-thirds, achieving a 35% reduction in total downtime and enabling mass production with a 10% reduction in processing time per cycle, enhancing safety and efficiency in stone slab processing.

Implementation Method 1

pneumatic vacuum clamps for efficient transfer of cut stone pieces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS20230037698A1Stone slab transfer and processing system and methods

Publication Date: 2023.02.09 ONETOUCH CNC INC

AI summary

A dual platform bed system has an associated machine for transferring material sheets from one platform bed to another. There are associated methods for both transferring and processing sheets on either or both platforms. Placing the platform beds adjacent one another reduces both human worker requirement and human and machine down time.