Segmented Tray Delivery for Quartz Vein Pattern Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quartz-based engineered stone lacks natural, random color patterns and veins, making it less aesthetically appealing compared to natural stones like marble and granite.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a delivery device with a tray that transitions from a receiving to a dumping state, a track device with a motor, and a mold with an elongated opening, allowing materials to be precisely distributed and combined within the mold to create desired color patterns and vein effects in quartz slabs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional mixing and pouring methods are used, then the production process is simple, but the quartz slab lacks natural, random color patterns and veins
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device is segmented into multiple independent trays, each capable of holding and dispensing different colored materials. This segmentation allows precise control over material distribution while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The trays are designed to be movable and rotatable, transitioning between receiving and dumping states dynamically. This dynamic capability enables precise control over when and where each material is deposited, creating realistic vein patterns without requiring complex fixed positioning systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple materials are mixed together, then color patterns can be achieved, but the distribution precision and pattern control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple materials are loaded onto separate trays in advance, before the molding process begins. This preliminary preparation allows each material to be positioned and controlled independently, achieving precise distribution patterns without requiring complex real-time mixing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable trays act as intermediaries between the material storage and the mold cavity. They provide a controlled interface for material transfer, enabling precise deposition patterns while keeping the overall manufacturing process relatively simple and intuitive.
3Measurement precision
If vertical distribution is implemented, then material placement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from horizontal material placement to vertical distribution by moving trays along a vertical track. This dimensional change enables precise material placement at different heights and positions within the mold, achieving superior placement precision while using a relatively straightforward vertical motion mechanism.
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
Enables the production of quartz slabs with realistic, multi-colored patterns and veins, enhancing their aesthetic appeal while maintaining the durability and resistance benefits of quartz-based materials.
Implementation Method 1
a motor; wherein the delivery device is configured to move back and forth on the track of the track device in response to the motor of the track device
Implementation Method 2
the device for changing the tray from the receiving state to the dumping state causes one or more materials to fall from the tray through the elongated opening of the mold into an inner chamber of the mold
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a delivery device including a tray, and a device for changing the tray from a receiving state to a dumping state; a device for supplying one or more materials to the delivery device, while the tray of the delivery device is in a receiving state; a track device including a track and a motor; and a mold having an elongated opening, wherein the delivery device is configured to move back and forth on the track of the track device in response to the motor of the track device; wherein the track of the track device is substantially parallel to the elongated opening of the mold; and wherein the device for changing the tray from the receiving state to the dumping state causes one or more materials to fall from the tray through the elongated opening of the mold into an inner chamber of the mold.