Forklift-Handled Waste Tray for Cutting Machine Debris Dumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste collection systems for cutting machines, particularly those generating molten and re-solidified debris, are laborious and inefficient, often requiring manual breaking and picking of adhered waste pieces.
Innovation Solution
A waste collection and disposal tray apparatus with fork pockets for lift fork insertion, allowing easy lifting and dumping of waste, featuring a movable pan structure between collection and disposal positions, and a securing mechanism for stable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual waste removal methods are used, then labor intensity is high, but waste disposal efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The waste collection tray is designed to be self-empting through its geometric configuration. The tray floor forms an acute angle with the horizontal, creating a self-service mechanism where waste automatically slides to the discharge opening when the tray is tilted, eliminating the need for manual breaking and picking of adhered waste pieces
Solution Approach 2:
The tray apparatus transitions from a static collection container to a dynamic system that can be tilted and rotated. The pan structure is movably mounted on the base structure, enabling movement between collection position and disposal position, allowing the tray to adapt its orientation for both waste collection and automated discharge
2Ease of operation
If fixed waste collection trays are used, then waste accumulation is contained, but waste disposal is laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The tray apparatus transitions from a static collection container to a dynamic system that can be tilted and rotated. The pan structure is movably mounted on the base structure, enabling movement between collection position and disposal position, allowing the tray to adapt its orientation for both waste collection and automated discharge
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge opening acts as an intermediary element between the waste collection interior and the external environment. This opening, positioned at the lower end of the tray floor, serves as a dedicated pathway for waste to exit the tray during disposal, facilitating efficient waste removal without requiring complete tray removal or manual intervention
3Extent of automation
If traditional waste trays are used, then waste collection is possible, but automated lifting and dumping is not feasible
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the pan, acts as a pivot point for tilting motion, and incorporates fork pockets that enable engagement with forklift tines for automated lifting and positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional complex mechanisms while enabling automated disposal operations
Solution Approach 2:
The tray apparatus is divided into distinct functional components: the pan structure for waste collection, the base structure for support and pivoting, and the fork pockets for automated handling. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system for automated waste disposal
Data Source
AI summary
A system for collecting and disposing waste from a material cutting machine may include a tray apparatus at least partially insertable into the cutting machine. The tray apparatus has an interior and an open top for receiving waste from the cutting machine. The tray apparatus may have a collection condition for holding waste in the interior and a disposal condition for dumping waste from the interior. The tray apparatus may include a base structure and a pan structure movably mounted on the base structure to move between a collection position and a disposal position. The tray apparatus may define a pair of fork pockets with each fork pocket being configured to receive a portion of a lift fork to facilitate lifting of the tray apparatus by equipment having lift forks.