Stone Slab Handling Tilting Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stone slab handling and cutting apparatuses face challenges such as complex construction, high costs, increased processing times due to sliding trolleys, operator skill requirements, risk of slab damage, and complex drive systems, which hinder efficient and cost-effective operation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a pair of posts delimiting a cutting and loading/unloading area, a support surface with tilting work tables on carriages that move between areas, and a longitudinal load-bearing beam, utilizing synchronized motorized belts for simultaneous carriage movement and stable locking, allowing quick and simple slab loading/unloading without requiring special operator skills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If handlers with suction cups are used to handle stone slabs, then the slabs can be picked up and positioned, but the construction becomes complicated and fabrication costs increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex suction cup handling system from the apparatus. Instead, slabs are handled directly by operators placing them on the support surface, eliminating the need for sophisticated handling mechanisms while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using active handling devices to pick up and move slabs, the invention inverts the approach by providing a passive support surface where slabs are placed and remain stationary during cutting, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sliding trolleys are used to transport slabs, then the support surface can be movable, but the slab loading/unloading times increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates sliding trolleys and intermediate transport mechanisms. The support surface is directly positioned in the cutting area, allowing operators to load and unload slabs immediately without waiting for trolley cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention skips the intermediate transport step by having the support surface directly accessible in the cutting area. Slabs are loaded and unloaded in place, dramatically reducing cycle time compared to systems requiring trolley transport.
3Ease of operation
If multiple independent motorized carriages are used to define the support surface, then the slabs can be positioned and supported, but the assembly and control becomes very complex and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes multiple independent motorized carriages entirely. A single support surface is used that can be positioned as needed, eliminating the complex multi-carriage drive system while maintaining slab positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of multiple separate motorized carriages, the invention merges the support function into a single support surface that can be positioned by a single carriage or directly in the cutting area, simplifying the drive system to one motorized unit.
4Adaptability or versatility
If carriages with different heights and widths are used to avoid mutual interference, then the slabs can be handled, but the positioning and leveling of rails becomes particularly complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for multiple carriages with different configurations. A single support surface on a single carriage system is used, removing the complexity of varying carriage dimensions and the associated rail positioning challenges.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses uniform carriage dimensions and a single support surface configuration throughout the system, eliminating the need for different height and width variations. This homogenization simplifies rail installation and positioning significantly.
5Adaptability or versatility
If independent motor drives for each carriage are provided, then the carriages can move independently, but the overall consumption and costs of the apparatus increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent motor drives into a single motorized carriage system. This consolidation reduces energy consumption by eliminating redundant motors while still providing the necessary movement capability for the support surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the unnecessary independent motor drives from each carriage. A single motorized system is used to position the support surface, eliminating energy waste from multiple independent drive systems while maintaining functional capability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An apparatus (1) for handling and cutting stone slabs, comprising a pair of posts (2, 3) for delimiting a cutting area (4) and slab loading/unloading area (5), a support surface (8) for a slab, moving between the loading/unloading area (5) and the cutting area (4), a longitudinal load-bearing beam (9) slidingly mounted to the posts (2, 3) and moving in a transverse direction (T) and a cutting unit (10) slidingly mounted to the beam (9) over the support surface (8). The support surface (8) comprises a pair of work tables (14, 15) mounted to respective carriages (16, 17) defining each a substantially horizontal plate bearing surface (18, 19), and each carriage (16, 17) moving along guide means (20) secured to the ground between the cutting area (4) and the loading/unloading area (5). Drive means (23) are provided for translating each of the work tables (14, 15) between end positions corresponding to the cutting area (4) and the loading/unloading area (5). Each of the work tables (14, 15) comprises a tilting device (39) hinged to a carriage (16, 17) to pivot between a horizontal position in which it is coplanar with a respective bearing surface (18, 19) and a tilted position in which it is inclined to the respective bearing surface (18, 19) to facilitate loading/unloading of the slabs.