Dual-Scraper Slat Cleaning for In-Place Slag Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning slag and debris from the slats of work piece support tables are costly, inefficient, and often require slat removal, leading to uneven support and reduced cut quality in laser or plasma cutting processes.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus with a primary frame and dual cleaning assemblies, equipped with gear trains and scraping tools that rotate to simultaneously clean both sides and gaps of the slats without removing them from the table, utilizing a motor-driven mechanism to pivotally couple the scraping tools for effective slag removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slats are removed from the table for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but productivity is worsened due to downtime and reinstallation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus is self-contained with an integrated motor and gear train mechanism that brings the cleaning tools to the slats in place, eliminating the need to remove slats for cleaning. The system serves itself by having the cleaning mechanism travel along the slats while mounted on the table.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning apparatus uses a motor-driven gear train mechanism that enables dynamic movement of the scraping tools along the slats. The system transitions from static removal methods to dynamic in-place cleaning, allowing the tools to move along the slat length while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If traditional cleaning methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision is worsened due to uneven support from slag accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus divides the cleaning function into multiple scraping tools with different blade orientations. One tool cleans the top surface while another cleans the bottom surface of slats, and additional tools address the gaps between slats. This segmented approach ensures comprehensive cleaning that maintains manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a new dimension to slat cleaning by addressing not only the top and bottom surfaces but also the gaps between slats. The cleaning apparatus operates in three-dimensional space around each slat, removing slag from all surfaces and gaps to maintain even support and cut quality.
3Manufacturing precision
If slats are cleaned frequently to maintain cut quality, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to repeated cleaning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus enables continuous cleaning operation along the entire length of each slat without interruption. The motor-driven mechanism maintains constant contact with the slat surfaces, allowing slag removal to proceed continuously rather than in discrete manual steps, thereby reducing total cleaning time while maintaining precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cleaning tool scraps away undesirable slag which has accumulated on opposite sides of the slat of a worktable. The cleaning tool has a pair of cleaning assemblies each comprising a scraping tool. The scraping tools are positioned on opposite sides of a slat for simultaneously cleaning of the two sides of the slat. A single motor rotates both of the scraping tools. A biasing member retains the two scraping tools in close proximity to the slat as it is claimed.