Pool Table Felt Mounting with CNC Glue and Notches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting pool table felts require skilled technicians and are labor-intensive, leading to inefficiencies and suboptimal alignment, which affects the performance and longevity of the table.
Innovation Solution
A method using CNC glue coating layers and double-sided tape to secure the table felt to the slate, combined with precise notches and detection lines for alignment, allowing for easier and more precise installation by non-professionals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the nailing method is used to mount table felt, then the table felt can be securely fixed to the slate, but it requires technicians with strong arm strength and results in labor-intensive work with low efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual nailing mechanism with a glue coating system. Instead of requiring technicians to physically nail the felt using hand tools, a glue coating machine applies adhesive to secure the felt to the slate, substituting mechanical fastening with chemical bonding. This eliminates the need for strong arm strength while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The glue coating system enables self-service mounting where the felt can be applied and secured without requiring skilled technicians with special physical abilities. The automated or semi-automated glue application allows ordinary persons to perform the mounting task independently, improving productivity while ensuring consistent results.
2Ease of operation
If manual nailing is performed without sufficient arm strength, then the table felt may wrinkle during installation, but using two technicians together increases labor cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual stretching and nailing operation with a glue coating system. The adhesive application process does not require the operator to exert strong physical force to stretch the felt, eliminating wrinkles caused by insufficient strength. This substitution maintains ease of operation while avoiding the need for multiple personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The glue coating acts as an intermediary between the table felt and the slate. Instead of directly nailing the felt (which requires strong force and skill), the adhesive layer mediates the bonding process, allowing the felt to be secured without manual stretching. This intermediary approach simplifies the operation and reduces personnel requirements.
3Productivity
If the gluing method is used to mount table felt, then labor effort is reduced compared to nailing, but the alignment precision and flatness of the table felt surface deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a detection line template as an intermediary alignment tool. Before applying the glue coating, the template with detection lines is placed on the slate to establish precise alignment references. This intermediary step ensures accurate positioning of the table felt while maintaining the efficiency benefits of the glue method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary alignment actions using detection line templates before the actual glue application. The templates are placed and adjusted to ensure correct positioning and orientation of the table felt. This preliminary action guarantees alignment precision is achieved before the irreversible gluing process begins, combining speed with accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If detection lines are manually drawn on table felt, then alignment can be achieved, but the precision and consistency of alignment markers are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a detection line template as an intermediary device that provides pre-fabricated alignment markers. Instead of manually drawing lines on the felt (which is imprecise), the template with precisely manufactured detection lines is placed on the slate to guide alignment. This intermediary tool delivers high measurement precision without increasing preparation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs detection line templates that are precise copies or replicas of the required alignment pattern. These templates are manufactured with high precision and can be repeatedly used to transfer accurate alignment references to multiple table felt installations. This copying approach ensures consistent alignment accuracy across different installations without requiring manual drawing each time.
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
Improves mounting quality, reduces labor effort, and extends the lifespan of the table felt by minimizing wrinkles and unevenness, enabling cost-effective and efficient replacement without specialized skills.
Implementation Method 1
a first adhesive surface coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive
Implementation Method 2
a second adhesive surface coated with a structural adhesive
Implementation Method 3
a first computer numerical control (CNC) glue coating layer configured to be attached to a side surface and a bottom surface of the slate
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A method for mounting a table felt of a pool table is provided. A computer numerical control (CNC) glue coating layer is set around a bottom surface of the table felt. A straight notch and a first oblique notch are formed at a position on the table felt corresponding to a side pocket opening. A second oblique notch is formed at a position on the table felt corresponding to a corner pocket opening. A first protective film is teared off. A first adhesive surface is bonded to edges of side and bottom surfaces of the slate. The table felt is laid on the slate with the CNC glue coating layer facing toward the slate. A second protective film is teared off. The table felt is stretched. The CNC glue coating layer is bonded to a second adhesive surface. A pool table and a table felt thereof are also provided.