Stone Splitter Synchronized Column Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Generic stone splitters require significant effort and manual force to adjust the cutting edge height and perform the splitting process due to separate adjustments of guide columns and a large eccentric stroke, which leads to increased tilting and play in guide elements, resulting in inefficient operation.

Innovation Solution

The stone splitter features a synchronized adjustment mechanism for the two columns using coupled guide means, such as spindle drives connected by a chain, allowing simultaneous height adjustment and reducing the eccentric stroke to less than 7 mm, thereby minimizing the idle stroke and manual force required for splitting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate adjustment mechanisms are used for each column, then each column can be adjusted independently, but the adjustment effort and time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent column adjustment capabilityVSAvoidAdjustment effort and time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate column adjustment mechanisms into a single synchronized adjustment system. A common adjustment device with a single actuator controls both columns simultaneously through coupled guide means, reducing the number of operations from two separate adjustments to one unified adjustment action while maintaining the ability to independently position each column.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If a large eccentric stroke is used, then the cutting edge can be lowered sufficiently to split hard stones, but the manual force required increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCutting edge lowering capabilityVSAvoidManual force on actuating element
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the eccentric stroke parameter to a specific range (5-15 mm, preferably 7-12 mm) that provides sufficient cutting edge lowering capability for splitting hard stones while minimizing the manual force required. This parameter optimization balances the mechanical advantage needed for force reduction with the sufficient stroke length required for effective stone splitting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If play is allowed in guide elements to compensate for tolerances, then the device remains robust and durable, but the idle stroke increases reducing splitting efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveGuide element tolerance compensationVSAvoidSplitting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies minimal necessary play in the guide elements - just enough to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion, but no more. This partial action approach ensures reliable operation and tolerance compensation while minimizing the idle stroke portion, thereby maximizing the effective splitting stroke and overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Strength

If robust guide elements with play are used, then the stone splitter withstands harsh operating conditions, but tilting occurs during height adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveGuide element robustnessVSAvoidColumn alignment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent couples the guide means of both columns so they move synchronously during height adjustment. This synchronized movement ensures that both columns maintain their relative positions and alignment, preventing tilting of the cutting edge while still allowing sufficient play in each guide element to withstand harsh operating conditions and compensate for tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This design reduces the manual force needed to split stones by up to 80% compared to traditional stone splitters, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing wear on the device due to lower eccentric stroke and reduced play in guide elements.

Implementation Method 1

the eccentric can even have a lifting height of at most 6 mm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP3423248B1Stone splitter with reduced handling force
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 ALMI MACHINEFAB VRIEZENVEEN
  • EP3423248B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a stone splitter (1) with two height-adjustable columns (7), a support platform (5) which is arranged between the two columns (7), and a cutter (9) which is arranged above the support platform (5) and is held on the two columns (7). The basic height of the cutter (9) over the support platform (5) can be adjusted by means of the columns (7), and the height of the cutter (9) can be adjusted relative to the set basic height by means of an eccentric (10). The stone splitter also comprises an actuation element (11) which acts on the eccentric (10) in order to adjust the height of the cutter (9). Each of the two columns (7) is equipped with guide means for adjusting the height of the respective column (7). According to the invention, the guide means of the two columns (7) are coupled together such that the guide means can be actuated identically by means of a common handle (18), and the eccentric (10) has a lifting height of less than 7 mm.