Multi-Tool Jet Apparatus for Hard Material Surface Texturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-tool apparatus for surface working of hard materials like stone and cementitious materials are limited in controlling individual jet tools, resulting in repetitive patterns and lack of operational flexibility, and are restricted in using different working fluids.
Innovation Solution
A multi-tool jet apparatus with independently movable and fluid-fed jet tools that can create non-schematic surface textures by directing fluid jets in virtually infinite patterns, simulating manual working and allowing for complex decorative patterns with a single pass, and enabling the use of different working fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common drive system is used for all jet tools, then the apparatus structure is simple and easy to control, but the processed surface exhibits repetitive patterns that reduce aesthetic value
Solution Approach 1:
The common drive system is segmented into individual drive mechanisms for each jet tool. Each tool can be independently controlled in terms of speed, motion path, and orientation, allowing creation of non-repetitive surface textures while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, fixed tool positions and speeds to dynamic, independently controllable tool movements. Each jet tool can vary its speed and path in real-time, enabling continuous variation in surface texture patterns and eliminating repetitive ridges or troughs
2Device complexity
If nozzles are mounted on a rotating disk with fixed paths, then the apparatus structure is constrained and simple, but the possibility of differentiating processing is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed rotating disk arrangement is replaced with dynamically adjustable nozzle positions. Each nozzle can be independently positioned and oriented, allowing real-time modification of processing paths and angles without mechanical constraints from a rigid disk structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system moves from two-dimensional rotation on a disk to three-dimensional spatial positioning of nozzles. Each nozzle can be adjusted in multiple directions and planes, vastly increasing the variety of possible processing paths and surface texture configurations
3Device complexity
If a common conduit feeds all nozzles with the same fluid, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the use of different working fluids is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The common fluid conduit is segmented into separate feed lines for each nozzle or group of nozzles. This modular fluid delivery system allows different working fluids to be supplied to different tools simultaneously, enabling versatile processing operations without complex manifold arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid feed system is designed to be universally adaptable, with each nozzle capable of receiving different types of working fluids (flamable gases, cooling liquids, abrasive mixtures) based on processing requirements. Each nozzle assembly functions as an independent unit that can be configured for specific fluid types
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
The apparatus achieves high operational flexibility and aesthetic quality by preventing repetitive patterns and allowing for real-time customization of surface textures and fluid usage, enhancing the aesthetic and operational capabilities of surface working processes.
Implementation Method 1
flaming, which consists in exposing the product surface to local surface heating by the direct action of one or more high-temperature flames, generated by burning a fluid, such as a gas or a gas mixture, that comes out of jet tools
Implementation Method 2
apparatus for surface working of stone, cementitious or the like materials are known in the art, which are equipped with a multi-tool head for directing a plurality of working fluid jets towards the surface of the product being worked. This can create surface deformations on the product, possibly associated with material removal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A multi-tool jet apparatus for surface working of products (P) of hard material, which is designed to be mounted to a plant having a fixed or movable support base (A) for supporting a product (P) with a surface (S) to be worked and means for feeding a working fluid, comprises a tool-holding head (3) adapted to be secured to a fixed or movable part of the plant and defining a longitudinal axis (L), a plurality of jet tools (4, 4', 4", ...) associated with the tool-holding head (3) and adapted to be connected to the working fluid feeding means to direct respective fluid jets (J, J', J",...) towards the surface (S) of the product (P), drive means (6) for moving the tools (4, 4', 4", ...) relative to the head (3) in at least one first direction (X); The drive means (6) are designed to translate each tool (4, 4', 4", ...) parallel to the first direction (X) in a mutually independent manner to change the relative orientation of the jets (J, J', J",...).