Modular Cutting Table with Sacrificial Grid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cutting tables for heavy plates require skilled on-site assembly and fabrication due to their large size and complex structural steel sections, making them difficult to transport and assemble, and they often have issues with fume extraction under the table.
Innovation Solution
A modular cutting table design using flat steel plates with a structural support frame and sacrificial grid assembly, where structural support bar members are protected by cross slats and capping members, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and incorporating a fume extraction system through elongate folded plate members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional structural steel sections are used to fabricate cutting tables for heavy plates, then the cutting table can support thick plates up to 12" thick, but the frame requires skilled workers and significant on-site assembly time
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting table is divided into modular components including frame sections, support legs, and a sacrificial grid system that can be assembled from standardized parts rather than custom-fabricated sections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sacrificial grid system made from lighter, less durable materials that are replaced periodically, allowing the main frame structure to be simpler and easier to assemble while maintaining load-bearing capability
2Area of stationary object
If cutting tables are made large (8'-12' wide, 20'-200' long) to accommodate heavy plate cutting, then they can process thick steel plates, but they become difficult to transport and require significant on-site assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The large cutting table is segmented into multiple transportable frame sections and support modules that can be shipped separately and assembled on-site using standardized connection mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Frame sections are pre-assembled into modular units at the manufacturing facility before shipping, reducing the complexity and time required for final on-site assembly
3Strength
If multiple support legs are added to the cutting table to support heavy plates, then the load-bearing capacity increases, but fume extraction from underneath the table becomes too difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is extracted from the main table platform and assigned to a separate sacrificial grid system, creating open space underneath for fume extraction equipment and pathways
Solution Approach 2:
A sacrificial grid system acts as an intermediary between the heavy plate and the main frame structure, providing support while allowing fume extraction systems to operate effectively underneath
Data Source
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AI summary
A cutting table for supporting or suspending plate while being processed by a profile plate cutting machine, includes a modular construction made up from several interlocking and connected components. The cutting table includes supporting frame assembly and sacrificial grid assembly which supports and connects to a sacrificial interlocking grid assembly being removably connected together by slotted connecting means to form the cutting table. The supporting frame assembly includes structural support bar members. The sacrificial interlocking grid assembly includes a plurality of first cross slat elongate members and second cross slat members being slidably interwoven with each other in a slotted type arrangement to form a sacrificial grid of parallel spaced members. Each of the first cross slats of the interlocking grid members sit directly on and parallel to the planar structural support bar members that can support the heavy loads of the plate being cut.