Multi-tool Aggregate Unit for Automated Stone Edge Polishing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machining technologies for marble, granite, and synthetic materials require multiple machines and manual orientation of plates for edge polishing, leading to inefficiency, lack of flexibility, and increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A multi-tool aggregate unit integrated with an electronically controlled polishing machine, allowing for automated, flexible, and precise polishing operations without the need to reorient the plate, using a pivotally mounted polishing head with interchangeable tools and adjustable locking devices for optimal positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple separate machines are used for edge polishing, waterjet cutting, and machining operations, then each machine can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall process complexity increases and productivity decreases due to multiple setups and manual reorientation of plates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate machines (edge polishing machine, waterjet cutting machine, machining center) into a single integrated polishing station. The multi-tool aggregate unit integrates polishing tools, waterjet cutting capability, and machining operations that were previously performed on separate machines, allowing all operations to be completed in one location without manual reorientation of the plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The polishing station is designed as a universal machine capable of performing multiple functions: edge polishing with progressively finer tools, waterjet cutting for forming openings, and machining operations. The multi-tool aggregate unit can be configured with different tool combinations depending on the specific operation required, making the single machine adaptable to various polishing and cutting tasks.
2Ease of operation
If the plate is reoriented for each new side processing, then all sides can be processed, but the operation time increases and automation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic repositioning capability through the multi-tool aggregate unit that can rotate or reorient itself to access different sides of the plate without requiring the plate to be manually reoriented. The aggregate unit can be rotated to present different tools to different edges of the plate, enabling automated processing of all sides in a single setup.
3Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous polishing devices with integrated motors are used, then the polishing function is complete, but the device becomes heavier, more expensive, and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the polishing system into a multi-tool aggregate unit that can be removably associated with and replaced on the polishing head. This modular design allows the versatile multi-tool aggregate to be separated from the main polishing machine, reducing the complexity and cost of the overall system while maintaining the ability to perform multiple polishing functions through tool replacement rather than integrating all functions into a single autonomous unit.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A multi-tool aggregate unit (TU1) for a polishing head (H1) of an electronically-controlled polishing machine, for polishing edges of plate of stone material or synthetic material, such as for finishing operations in the mass production of kitchen tops or the like, comprises an aligned series of polishing tools (11) adapted to carry out progressively finer machining operations, the tools being arranged according to an order corresponding to the progression of the machining operation, with a tool (11) for the most coarse machining operation arranged at one end of the series and a tool (11) for the finest machining operation arranged at the opposite end. The supporting structure (9) of the multi-tool aggregate unit (TU1) rotatably supports a single driving rotating shaft (12) which is connected in rotation with all the tools (11) by means of a gear transmission (13,14). The driving rotating shaft (12) has an end conical shank (12A) configured to be removably connected in rotation within an end conical receptacle of a motorized spindle of a polishing head (H1) of the polishing machine, so that said spindle drives in rotation all the tools (11) of the multi-tool aggregate unit (TU1) while at the same time supporting the weight of said multi-tool unit. The supporting structure (9) of the multi-tool aggregate unit (TU1) is configured to engage the spindle supporting body to prevent a rotation of the supporting structure (9) of the multi-tool unit around the axis of the spindle.