Slate Cutting Tool With Trapdoor Chute for Stable Roof Use
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slate cutting tools are either too heavy to be transported by a single person or unstable and unbalanced when used on a roof, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns during cutting and waste evacuation.
Innovation Solution
A slate cutting tool with a waste collection and evacuation system that includes a movable hatch allowing for easy waste evacuation without tipping, combined with a reversible locking mechanism for secure transport and a carrying strap for balanced handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a collection chute is added to prevent waste from damaging the roof, then waste containment is improved, but tool stability deteriorates causing the tool to tip over
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a pre-designed waste evacuation system with a movable base that can be opened before waste accumulation becomes problematic. The base is equipped with evacuation openings and a movable cover that can be opened in advance to prevent waste from overflowing and damaging the roof, while maintaining tool stability through the integrated design that distributes weight properly.
2Ease of operation
If the collection chute base is made vertically movable for easy emptying, then waste evacuation ease is improved, but transport reliability deteriorates due to accidental opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary locking mechanism that acts as a mediator between the movable base and the tool body. This locking device engages with complementary elements on the base to secure it in the closed position during transport, preventing accidental opening. When waste evacuation is needed, the locking mechanism can be easily released to allow base movement, thus maintaining both transport reliability and evacuation ease.
3Reliability
If a locking device is added to prevent carriage rolling during transport, then transport safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a locking device that automatically engages and disengages based on the tool's position and usage state. The locking mechanism utilizes the tool's own weight and positioning to trigger automatic locking during transport, and automatic unlocking when the tool is positioned for use, eliminating the need for manual operation and minimizing added complexity while ensuring transport safety.
4Weight of moving object
If the tool is designed to be lightweight for single-person transport, then transport ease is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials in the construction of the tool body, cutting table, and support structures. By combining materials with different properties (such as aluminum alloys with reinforcement ribs, or composite polymers), the design achieves high strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring the tool remains lightweight for single-person transport while maintaining sufficient structural strength to support cutting operations and waste collection functions.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention provides a safe and economical tool for cutting a slate slab that can be used on a roof. The cutting tool according to the invention comprises: • a cutting table (110) having a cutting slot (111) above which is arranged a guide rail (120), • a cutting carriage (130) mounted to slide along the guide rail, • a cutting waste collection chute (140) arranged under the cutting table (110), the collection chute comprising a bottom (141), two side walls (142) and two end walls (143), in which at least one of the end walls (143) of the chute is pierced with a waste discharge window (144) and further comprises a trapdoor (150) movablely mounted between a collection position in which the trapdoor (150) closes the discharge window (144) and a discharge position in which the trapdoor (150) clears the discharge window (144).