Stone Aging Device with Free Impact Bodies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for artificially aging stones, such as concrete blocks, are inefficient and costly, often resulting in artificially processed edges that do not resemble natural aging, and require significant labor and energy, with previous solutions like rotary drums and magnet-based systems having limitations in cycle time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A device with movable impact bodies that can strike the stones within a defined area, eliminating the need for a magnet and allowing for continuous or discontinuous aging, using a vibrating table to simulate natural edge breakage without unnecessary processing of non-visible surfaces, and incorporating a conveying system for efficient stone movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a magnet is used to apply freely moving impact bodies to the stone surface, then the stones can be aged rapidly and effectively, but the acquisition and operating costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the magnet from the system entirely. Instead of using a magnet to hold and move impact bodies, the invention uses a vibration device to set the stones and impact bodies in motion, allowing the impact bodies to strike the stones freely without magnetic attachment. This eliminates the costly magnet component while maintaining effective stone aging.
2Manufacturing precision
If stones are placed in a rotary drum for aging, then the edges achieve a natural broken appearance, but surfaces and edges that are not visible in the final pavement are also processed, wasting energy and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning impact bodies to strike only specific areas of the stones that will be visible in the final pavement. The vibration device and impact body arrangement enable selective processing of visible surfaces and edges, leaving non-visible areas unprocessed. This targeted approach maintains natural edge break quality while eliminating energy waste on unnecessary surfaces.
3Ease of operation
If stones are struck by a vibrating rapping device in a regular arrangement, then no sorting device is needed, but the stones look artificially processed and do not resemble naturally aged stones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamics by using a vibration device to set both the stones and impact bodies in random motion. This dynamic approach creates irregular, unpredictable strike patterns that naturally mimic real-world weathering processes. The impact bodies freely move and strike the stones at varying angles and positions, producing a natural aged appearance without requiring manual sorting or regular arrangements.
4Manufacturing precision
If the impact bodies are freely moving on the stone surface, then the aging process is effective, but the cycle time increases due to the need to set and retrieve impact bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves continuity of useful action by eliminating the magnetic attachment and detachment cycle. The vibration device continuously agitates both the stones and impact bodies, maintaining constant random motion and striking action throughout the aging process. This continuous dynamic action removes idle time for magnet engagement and disengagement, significantly reducing cycle time while preserving aging effectiveness.
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
The solution enables cost-effective and rapid aging of stones with a natural appearance, reducing cycle times and eliminating the need for a magnet, while maintaining efficient stone processing and minimizing energy waste.
Implementation Method 1
A vibration device (6) is provided in order to set the stones (1) and the impact bodies (3) in motion relative to one another in such a way that the impact bodies (3) act on the surfaces (1a) and the adjacent edges (1b) of the stones (1)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A device for artificially aging stones (1), particularly concrete stones, clinker bricks and natural stones comprises a support (2) on which the stones can be placed so that their surfaces (1a) to be treated and the adjoining edges (1b) are exposed. Striking bodies (3) that are, in essence, freely moving are used for treating the surfaces and the adjoining edges of the stones. A vibrating device (6) moves the stones and the striking bodies relative to one another in such a manner that the striking bodies act upon the surfaces and the exposed edges of the stones. The striking bodies are displaceably attached to a holding device (5) in such a manner that the striking bodies can move freely within a defined area (4) of the surface of the stones.