Dual-Spindle Stone Cutting Machine with Shared Support Structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for cutting stone, ceramic, or glass materials have limited productive capacity, requiring the installation of a second machine to increase production, which doubles costs and occupies additional space, making it impractical in many settings.
Innovation Solution
A machine with two lateral support structures and two beams, each equipped with a machining head and a gripping device, allowing simultaneous operation of two cutting spindles to reduce machining time and increase production capacity without significant cost or space increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a second machine is installed to increase production capacity, then productivity increases, but cost and occupied space double
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two cutting spindles into a single machine structure, where both spindles share common support structures, control systems, and spatial footprint. This merging approach enables the machine to process multiple workpieces simultaneously, doubling production capacity without requiring two separate machines and thereby avoiding the proportional increase in cost and space occupation that would result from installing a second machine
2Productivity
If a second machine is installed to increase production capacity, then productivity increases, but occupied space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates two cutting spindles within a shared machine framework that includes common lateral support structures, control systems, and spatial arrangement. This configuration allows simultaneous processing of multiple workpieces on the same workpiece support bench, effectively doubling productivity while occupying the same floor space as a single-spindle machine would
3Productivity
If two beams with machining heads are used to increase production capacity, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a shared structural framework where two beams are supported by common lateral support structures, and both beams utilize shared guiding means and control systems. This merged architecture reduces overall structural complexity compared to having two independent machines, while still enabling simultaneous dual-spindle operation for increased productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral support structures and guiding means serve dual functions by supporting and guiding both beams simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the capability for high-productivity dual-spindle operation
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
The machine significantly enhances production capacity while maintaining minimal space requirements and only slightly increasing costs, allowing for efficient cutting of slabs with simultaneous operation of multiple spindles and integrated gripping systems.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum circuit, which is connected to the interior of the sucker means, is activated and in this way gripping between the sucker means and the workpiece is ensured
Data Source
AI summary
A machine (12) for cutting slabs, comprises a workpiece support bench (14) adapted to support at least one slab, and cutting means for automated cutting of the slab on the bench. The cutting means comprise two lateral support structures (16, 18). A first beam (20) is adapted to move along said lateral support structures (16, 18). The first beam (20) is adapted to slide on the lateral support structures (16, 18) via its ends (22, 24) and guiding means (25, 26) provided on the lateral support structures (16, 18). The first beam (20) is provided with a first carriage (28) adapted to be moved along the first beam (20). A first sleeve (30) adapted to be moved towards or away from the workpiece support bench (14) is provided on the first carriage (28). A first machining head (32) comprising a first cutting spindle (34) is provided on the first sleeve (30). A second beam (201) is adapted to move along the lateral support structures (16, 18). The second beam (201) is adapted to slide on the lateral support structures (16, 18) via its ends (221, 241) and guiding means (26) provided on the lateral support structures (16, 18), independently of the first beam (20). The second beam (201) is provided with a second carriage (281) which is adapted to be moved along the second beam (201). A second sleeve (301) adapted to be moved towards or away from the workpiece support bench (14) is provided on the second carriage (281). A second machining head (321) comprising a second cutting spindle (341) is provided on the second sleeve (301). At least either one of the first head (32) and the second head (321) is provided with a gripping device (42, 421) for the slabs or parts thereof.