Pivoting Material Loading Apparatus for Stone Workpiece Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for cutting and shaping materials like stone face challenges in safely and efficiently loading and unloading heavy workpieces, which can cause safety concerns and damage to both the workpieces and the machines.
Innovation Solution
A material loading apparatus with a movable support surface that can pivot between horizontal and vertical positions, facilitated by a system of links and an actuator, allowing for smooth movement and access to a fluid tank while preventing workpiece unsettlement, and incorporating a fluid tank positioned under the support surface when horizontal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stone workpieces are manually loaded onto the work table, then the loading process is simple, but safety concerns arise and damage to workpieces and machines may occur
Solution Approach 1:
A movable support surface acts as an intermediary between the ground and the work table, transferring workpieces safely without direct manual handling. The support surface is moved by a controlled mechanism (actuator and links) that prevents workpiece damage and operator injury while loading and unloading heavy stone workpieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The support surface transitions from a static position to a movable one, pivoting between horizontal and vertical positions. This dynamic movement allows the support surface to approach the work table, transfer workpieces, and retreat, enabling safe and controlled loading operations without direct manual handling of heavy stone.
2Ease of repair
If the support surface is fixed in horizontal position, then workpiece stability is maintained, but access to the fluid tank for maintenance is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface pivots from a horizontal working position to a vertical maintenance position. When vertical, the support surface clears the fluid tank, providing easy access for maintenance while retaining clips continue to hold workpieces securely on the support surface during the transition and maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the workholding function (retaining clips on support surface) from the support surface position. This allows the support surface to move independently for maintenance access while the retaining clips maintain workpiece stability throughout the movement and during fluid tank servicing.
3Reliability
If heavy stone workpieces are handled directly, then loading is straightforward, but damage to workpieces and machines occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support surface serves as a protective intermediary that receives workpieces from the ground and transfers them to the work table. This intermediate platform prevents direct handling that could cause damage to both the heavy stone workpieces and the precision cutting machine components.
Solution Approach 2:
The support surface with its retaining clips provides a prepared, stable platform that cradles and secures workpieces before transfer. This pre-positioned support structure prevents workpiece damage during the loading operation by ensuring proper positioning and support throughout the transfer process.
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
Enhances safety and efficiency in loading and unloading processes by ensuring smooth movement and access to the fluid tank, reducing the risk of accidents and damage, while maintaining workpiece stability and facilitating maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a first link extending between the support surface and the frame. The first link is pivotally connected to the support surface at a first end of the first link and pivotally connected to the frame at a second end of the first link. The material loading apparatus also includes a second link extending between the support surface and the frame
Implementation Method 2
a movable support surface pivotally mounted to the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A material loading apparatus includes a movable material support surface that is pivotally mounted to the frame. The loading apparatus also includes a first link that extends between the support surface and the frame and is pivotally connected to the support surface at a first end of the first link and pivotally connected to the frame at a second end of the first link. The loading apparatus also includes a second link that extends between the support surface and the frame and is pivotally connected to the support surface at a first end of the second link and pivotally connected to the frame at a second end of the second link. The loading apparatus also includes an actuator that is pivotally connected to the frame and configured to move the support surface between a generally horizontal position and a generally vertical position.