Masonry Trimmer with Segmented Planes for Vibration Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for trimming stone and brick often result in unintended breaks and cracks due to vibrations caused by striking, and require unstable platforms that need to be bolted in place, increasing inefficiency and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A trimmer device with three metal planes forming six edges for stable stone trimming, where two planes act as legs to stabilize the device on a surface, reducing the need for bolting and minimizing acceleration-induced stress on the stone or brick.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a platform is made easily movable without bolting, then ease of operation is improved, but stability when force is applied deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into multiple planes (first plane, second plane, third plane) that can be independently positioned. The leg planes segment the support function, allowing the platform to distribute and manage forces applied to the working plane, thereby maintaining stability without requiring bolting.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg planes act as intermediaries between the working plane and the surface. When force is applied to the working plane, the leg planes transfer and distribute this force to the surface, preventing direct transmission that would cause shifting or instability.
2Productivity
If stone is struck with hammer to trim it, then productivity is improved, but unintended breaks and cracks occur due to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The platform serves as an intermediary between the hammer and the stone. By positioning the stone on the platform with multiple support planes, the platform absorbs and distributes the vibrational energy from the hammer strike, preventing these vibrations from traveling through the stone and causing unintended breaks or cracks.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform provides pre-positioned support surfaces that cushion the stone before the hammer strike occurs. The multiple planes are arranged to contact the stone at strategic locations, creating a cushioning effect that mitigates the impact and vibration before they can cause harmful effects.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple edges are provided on trimmer, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each plane of the trimmer serves multiple functions: it provides cutting edges for trimming stone, and when not in use, it functions as a stabilizing leg. This multi-functionality allows the device to have six usable edges without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same structural elements serve dual purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting edges and stabilizing legs are merged into a single integrated structure. The planes that provide cutting edges when active serve as stabilizing legs when inactive, combining two functions into one structural element and reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for trimming stone and brick is disclosed. The apparatus is comprised of flat sections which radiate from a central axis. Each of the flat sections has two cutting edges, for a total six cutting edges.In use, the apparatus is placed onto a supportive platform so two of the flat sections contact the platform, while the third extends up and is an apical striking platform. The mason holds a stone or brick so it rests on one of the cutting edges of the apical striking platform and strikes the top face of the stone or brick with a hammer, approximately over where the stone or brick contacts the edge of the trimmer.In addition to providing a cutting surface, the subject matter of this application reduces errant vibration caused by the striking which can result in irregular cutting.