Integrated Stone Slab Cutting and Bevelling Without Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing bevelled tiles require separate cutting and bevelling machines, leading to high costs, inefficiencies, precision issues, and increased machining time due to material repositioning and alignment challenges.
Innovation Solution
A combined cutting and bevelling machine with integrated cutting and bevelling units, allowing simultaneous operations without repositioning, using a single machining head with interchangeable cutting and bevelling spindles and adjustable bevelling tools to ensure uniform bevels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate cutting and bevelling machines are used in succession, then cutting and bevelling operations can be performed, but production time increases and productivity decreases due to material repositioning and alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cutting and bevelling operations into a single machine platform. The cutting unit with diamond cutting disc and bevelling unit with lapping tools are integrated on the same machine, allowing both operations to be performed on the slab without removing it from the machine, thereby eliminating repositioning time and improving productivity while maintaining precision through the guiding device.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is designed with multi-functionality to perform both cutting and bevelling operations. The same machine platform supports different tooling (cutting disc for cutting, lapping tools for bevelling), enabling a single machine to replace multiple specialized machines and eliminate the need for material transfer between different equipment.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate cutting and bevelling machines are used, then specialized operations can be performed, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring multiple machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges cutting and bevelling functions into one integrated machine system. Both the cutting unit and bevelling unit share common support structures, guiding mechanisms, and control systems, reducing the total number of machines required while maintaining the specialized capabilities needed for precise cutting and uniform bevelling operations.
3Productivity
If material is repositioned from cutting machine to bevelling machine, then sequential operations can be completed, but positioning precision is lost and additional alignment time is required
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating both cutting and bevelling operations on the same machine platform with a shared guiding device, the patent eliminates the need to remove and reposition the slab between operations. The guiding device maintains consistent reference points throughout both operations, preserving positioning precision and enabling continuous operation without alignment requirements.
4Manufacturing precision
If bevelling is performed after cutting with separate machines, then operations can be specialized, but alignment complexity increases when dealing with varying tile dimensions and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated machine design allows both cutting and bevelling to be performed in sequence on the same platform without requiring realignment between operations. The guiding device provides consistent reference points that accommodate various tile dimensions and shapes, making the bevelling operation equally easy whether cutting straight edges, rounded corners, or other geometries.
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
Reduces production time and costs by eliminating the need for separate machines and realignment, ensuring precise and uniform bevels across the entire edge of the tile.
Implementation Method 1
a cutting unit (50) provided with a cutting spindle (51) rotating a cutting disc (52)
Implementation Method 2
a bevelling unit (40) provided with a bevelling spindle (41) rotating a bevelling tool (42)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A combined cutting and bevelling machine (10) for slabs of stone or stone-like material comprises a workpiece support bench (30) and a work unit (16) provided with a cutting unit (50) and a bevelling unit (40), wherein the cutting unit (50) comprises a cutting spindle (51) and the bevelling unit (40) comprises a bevelling spindle (41).