Geologic core inspection table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current geologic core sample handling systems pose risks to technicians due to strain injuries from handling heavy samples and accidents from falling samples, and provide inadequate viewing and storage solutions for geoscientists.
Innovation Solution
A modular geologic core inspection table with adjustable height, mobility features like wheels, and safety features such as movable side stoppers to prevent sliding or falling, designed to accommodate different core tray configurations and equipment, allowing for safe and versatile handling, examination, and storage of core samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If core samples are frequently moved between tables and storage areas, then inspection and storage activities can be performed, but strain injuries to technicians and accident injuries from falling samples increase
Solution Approach 1:
The core inspection table is designed with height adjustment capability, allowing the tabletop to be positioned at ergonomically optimal heights for different users and activities. This eliminates the need for technicians to bend or reach awkwardly, reducing strain injuries while maintaining inspection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The table incorporates safety features such as side guards and secure tray positioning mechanisms that act as intermediaries between the core samples and the environment, preventing samples from falling while allowing safe access and inspection.
2Reliability
If core sample trays are designed to accommodate heavy weights up to 75 kg, then core samples can be held securely, but repeated handling causes strain injuries to technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The table structure incorporates support mechanisms and distributing footprints that counterbalance the heavy weight of core sample trays, reducing the effective load on technicians during handling and inspection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The table design allows core trays to be easily positioned and secured on the tabletop with minimal effort, and the height adjustment feature automatically adapts to the load, reducing manual strain while maintaining secure holding capability.
3Ease of operation
If the viewing area is designed for core inspection, then geoscientists can examine samples, but the viewing areas are often unsuitable in height and position
Solution Approach 1:
The tabletop height is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adaptation to different user heights, inspection tasks, and tray configurations. This enables the viewing area to be optimized for each specific situation while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The table is designed with universal features including adjustable height, various tray size accommodations, and configurable viewing angles, making it adaptable to different geoscientists, core sample types, and inspection requirements while maintaining consistent ease of use.
4Reliability
If tables are made stationary and fixed-height for stability, then core samples are secure, but mobility and adaptability for different inspection needs are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The table incorporates both mobile features (wheels or movable base) and adjustable components (height and angle adjustment), allowing it to transition between stationary secure positions during inspection and mobile positions for reconfiguration or relocation, maintaining core sample security throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The table structure is divided into adjustable segments including height-adjustable legs, movable tabletop sections, and configurable safety features, allowing independent optimization of mobility and security for different operational phases while maintaining overall system reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A geologic core inspection table includes at least two legs, each including an extending portion for increasing the effective length of each leg, the extending portion at least partially concentrically disposed within or about the leg from which it extends; and a tabletop disposed above and coupled to the legs. The tabletop includes a top surface for receiving a core sample tray. At least one leg may be extended to a different height than at least one other leg.