Foldable Water Tray for Tile Cutter Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tile cutters with non-collapsible water retaining shells occupy excessive storage space when not in use, as they are not designed to fold or collapse.
Innovation Solution
A foldable water tray system comprising a water tank, a first tray, and a second tray, where the first tray is movable between application and storage positions, and the second tray is pivotally connected to create a collapsible structure that can be stored inside the water tank, allowing for space-saving when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-collapsible water retaining shell is used, then water retention function is effective, but storage space occupation is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The water retaining shell is designed with collapsible structures that allow it to change from an extended operational state to a collapsed storage state. The first and second trays can be folded relative to each other, enabling the shell to reduce its volume when not in use while maintaining effective water retention during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The second tray is designed to nest within the first tray when collapsed, and both trays can be stored inside the water tank when not in use. This nesting arrangement significantly reduces the storage space required compared to a non-collapsible design.
2Volume of moving object
If a collapsible second tray is added, then storage space is reduced, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water retaining shell is divided into multiple segments (first tray and second tray) that can move independently relative to each other. The second tray is pivotally connected to the first tray, allowing it to be folded or extended as needed. This segmentation enables collapsibility while keeping each individual component relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot connection between the first and second trays enables dynamic reconfiguration of the structure. The second tray can be positioned in different orientations (extended or collapsed) based on operational needs, providing flexibility without requiring complex mechanical assemblies.
3Reliability
If the second tray is in extended position, then water retaining effect is enhanced, but space for workpiece cutting is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The second tray is designed to be pivotally connected, allowing it to be folded down or extended based on the cutting task requirements. When a workpiece needs to be cut, the second tray can be folded to minimize obstruction. When water retention is prioritized, it can be extended to provide enhanced coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The position and orientation of the second tray can be adjusted as a variable parameter based on operational needs. The pivot connection allows the tray to change its spatial configuration, effectively adjusting the balance between water retention coverage and workpiece cutting space availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable water tray used in a tile cutter includes a water tank having a water chamber, a first tray movable in and out of the water chamber of the water tank between an application position and a storage position, and a second tray pivotally connected to the first tray and biasable relative to the first tray between an extended position where the second tray defines with the first tray a predetermined contained angle and a collapsed position where the second tray covers the first tray and can be moved with the first tray between the application position and the storage position.