Multi-tool Stone Processing Machine with Independent Heads

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current machines for processing high-hardness materials like stone or stone-like materials are inefficient due to long processing times, frequent operator interventions, and limited ability to perform multiple processing operations simultaneously, especially when dealing with complex surface treatments like honing, polishing, or processing lower surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A multi-tool machine with independently movable processing heads that can perform a wide range of operations simultaneously, including honing, polishing, brushing, and drilling, with flexible positioning and rotation capabilities to cover entire surfaces and edges, reducing overall processing time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple processing heads are used to perform simultaneous processing operations, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing timeVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing system is divided into multiple independent processing heads (first processing head, second processing head, third processing head) that can operate simultaneously on different portions of the product. Each head is mounted on separate bearers that can move independently along the longitudinal axis, allowing parallel processing operations without requiring a single complex centralized structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The processing heads are mounted on bearers that can move independently along the longitudinal axis L, and each head can be positioned at different locations. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to different processing requirements and product configurations, enabling simultaneous processing operations while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If processing heads are constrained to fixed positions, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing flexibilityVSAvoidmovement mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each processing head is mounted on a separate bearer that can move independently along the longitudinal axis L of the product. This dynamic positioning capability allows each head to be positioned at different locations along the product length, enabling flexible adaptation to different processing requirements and product configurations without requiring a completely reconfigurable system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If lateral heads have limited rotation angle (straight angle maximum), then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface coverageVSAvoidrotation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing heads are equipped with rotation mechanisms that enable them to pivot about longitudinal axes of rotation, allowing the tools to approach and process surfaces from different angular orientations. This adds a rotational dimension to the already three-dimensional positioning capability, enabling comprehensive surface coverage including lower surfaces and edges that would be inaccessible with fixed or limited-rotation heads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Productivity

If a single transverse beam is used to support processing heads, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous processing capabilityVSAvoidbearing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single transverse beam to support all processing heads, the system employs multiple independent bearers (first bearer, second bearer, third bearer) that can move independently along the longitudinal axis. This segmentation of the support structure allows each processing head to operate independently and simultaneously, greatly enhancing productivity while distributing the mechanical complexity across multiple simpler, modular units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2911848B1Multi-tool machine for processing products made of stone materials
Publication Date: 2016.07.13 MAEMA
  • EP2911848B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2911848B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2911848B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A multi-tool machine for processing products (P) made of stone materials to be processed, comprising a support surface (2) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) for supporting one or more products (P), a bearing structure (3) designed for translation along the longitudinal axis (L) and adapted to support at least one first (4), one second (5) and one third (6) processing heads, which are designed for interaction with one or more surfaces (S, S\ S", S'") of the product (P). The first (4), second (5) and third (6) processing heads are movable relative to the bearing structure (3) independently of the others for simultaneous processing of multiple surfaces (S, S\ S", S"') of the product (P).