Stabilised Slate Cutting Tool with U-Shaped Tube
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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 transport.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight slate cutting tool designed to be stable and balanced on roof battens, featuring a U-shaped tube with a coplanar longitudinal core and chute feet for secure retention, and a support table that allows for easy handling and movement, with a waste collection system to prevent damage and improve safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a traditional slate cutting tool with a collection chute is used on the roof, then cutting waste can be collected, but the tool becomes unstable and tips over when the user leans on the support table
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a U-shaped tube element that extends laterally beyond the support table, creating a new dimensional support structure. This tube rests on the batten in addition to the feet, providing a fourth contact point that stabilizes the tool without interfering with the collection chute's waste collection function.
2Weight of moving object
If the tool is made lighter for easy transport on the roof, then a single person can carry it, but the tool becomes unbalanced and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped tube acts as a counterbalancing element that extends beyond the support table laterally. This creates a counterweight effect that balances the tool's center of gravity, making it easier to handle and transport while maintaining stability during use.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the feet are made to bite strongly into the batten to prevent tool tilting, then tool stability improves, but the batten is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support function into multiple elements: the original feet that contact the batten and the additional U-shaped tube that provides lateral support. This segmentation allows the feet to provide vertical support while the tube prevents tilting, reducing the need for excessive biting force from the feet alone.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The present invention proposes a tool for cutting a slate plate usable on a roof, which is lightweight, practical, safe and economical. The cutting tool 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 (120), • a cutting waste collection chute (140) arranged under the cutting table and comprising a bottom (141) and two side walls (142), • a support table (170) mounted coplanarly with the cutting table (110), the tool further comprising a U-shaped tube (180), having a longitudinal web (181) and two arms (182), arranged such that in the operating position, the longitudinal web (181) is coplanar with the bottom (141) of the chute (140).