Stone Aging Device Using Vibration and Deflection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for aging stones, particularly split stones, are inefficient, expensive, and time-consuming, as they require complex processing tools and labor-intensive techniques to align and process lateral surfaces, which do not match the top surface for effective aging.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base and aging channel featuring vibration-induced abutment surfaces that process the horizontal and vertical edges of stones, allowing stones to jump and deflect, enabling effective aging of all peripheral edges without the need for complex tools or alignment, using a conveying device to move stones through angled sections for efficient surface processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional aging methods are used on lateral surfaces of split stones, then the stone surface can be processed, but the process becomes complex and inefficient requiring specialized processing tools and spatial repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibration device that generates oscillatory motion in the aging channel, causing stones to jump and collide with abutment surfaces. This vibration-based approach replaces complex mechanical processing tools with a simple vibratory mechanism, achieving effective aging of lateral surfaces without requiring specialized equipment or spatial repositioning of stones.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables stones to age themselves through mutual collisions during vibration-induced jumping. The stones' own kinetic energy and interactions with abutment surfaces create the aging effect, eliminating the need for external processing tools. The system uses the stones' movement and collisions to perform the aging function that would otherwise require complex mechanical intervention.
2Reliability
If stones are lifted and repositioned for aging, then effective aging can be achieved, but the process becomes expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration device continuously agitates stones in the aging channel, ensuring all stones receive adequate aging treatment without requiring manual lifting or repositioning. The vibratory motion maintains constant contact between stones and abutment surfaces, achieving reliable aging results while processing stones in their original lateral orientation, thus eliminating time-consuming handling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The aging process operates continuously as stones are conveyed through the aging channel in a steady flow. The vibration device maintains continuous agitation and collision throughout the aging channel, ensuring uninterrupted aging action. This continuous process eliminates the intermittent handling and repositioning required by traditional methods, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining effectiveness.
3Manufacturing precision
If lateral surfaces are processed with conventional tools, then stone edges can be aged, but the method is not efficient and requires spatial separation of stones
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration device generates intense oscillatory motion that causes stones to jump and collide with abutment surfaces with high frequency and force. This vibratory action creates effective aging of stone edges through repeated impacts, achieving manufacturing precision comparable to or exceeding conventional methods. The high-energy vibration allows processing of multiple stones simultaneously in close proximity, eliminating the need for spatial separation and dramatically increasing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple stones into a single processing space (the aging channel) where they are conveyed and vibrated together. Instead of processing stones individually or in separated positions, multiple stones occupy the same aging channel simultaneously, colliding with abutment surfaces and each other during vibration. This merging of processing space maintains edge aging quality while significantly improving throughput and efficiency.
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 device allows for quick, cost-effective, and reliable aging of stone surfaces, mimicking the effectiveness of stone drum aging with low wear on the aging channel, achieving a desired aging pattern by utilizing the stones' own edges for vertical edge processing and minimizing material usage.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration device (8) is provided in order to set the base (1) in motion
Implementation Method 2
the abutment surfaces have an aging effect on the stone, with the first abutment surface (6) on the horizontally running lower edge (200a) of the stone and the second stop surface (7) is aligned with the horizontal top edge (200b) of the stone
Implementation Method 3
the stone, due to the movement of the substrate, striking the abutment surfaces in such a way that the abutment surfaces have an aging effect on the stone
Data Source
AI summary
Device for the artificial ageing of stones with at least an ageing channel (3) arranged on a support (1), a vibration device (5) to set the support (1) in motion, and a conveying device (8) t o move the stone (2) through the ageing channel (3). The ageing channel (3) has at least a first and a second impacting surface (6, 7), which apply the ageing effect to the stone (2). The ageing channel (3) comprises at least two sections, wherein the stone (2) moves through a first section (301) in a first feed direction and wherein a second section (302) runs at an angle to the first section (301), so the stone (2) is deflected in its feed direction to move into a second feed direction.