Multi-functional Stone Work Centre with Sacrificial Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional numeric-control work centres for machining stone or ceramic materials are complex and costly, limiting the path of cutting tools during cutting operations and requiring separate machines for cutting, grinding, and milling.
Innovation Solution
A work centre with a rigid supporting board and sacrificial elements made of sacrificial material, allowing the cutting tool to pass through and engrave these elements without interfering with the main surface, while also using suction-cup blocks for supporting blocks during grinding or milling operations, enabling free movement of the cutting tool and integration of cutting, grinding, and milling capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a rigid supporting board with plate-supporting elements is used to enable cutting operations, then the cutting tool can move along orthogonal lines only, but this limits the cutting tool path and restricts operational freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the supporting elements movable rather than fixed. The plate-supporting elements can be repositioned along the supporting board, allowing the cutting tool to follow any desired path without being constrained by fixed orthogonal limitations. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational freedom.
2Reliability
If separate machines are used for cutting, grinding, and milling operations, then each operation can be performed with dedicated equipment, but this increases device complexity and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a work centre that can perform multiple operations (cutting, grinding, milling) with a single integrated system. The working head can be equipped with different tools for various operations, and the supporting board with movable elements accommodates all operation types. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity and costs while maintaining reliable specialized operations.
3Ease of operation
If suction-cup supporting blocks are used to hold the plate during grinding or milling, then the plate can be securely positioned, but this requires additional components and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by combining the supporting board and supporting blocks into an integrated system. The movable plate-supporting elements on the supporting board work together with the suction-cup blocks to provide comprehensive plate support and positioning. This merged system achieves flexible plate positioning without requiring entirely separate supporting mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 simplifies the structure and reduces costs, allowing for unrestricted cutting tool paths and eliminating the need for separate machines, enhancing productivity and reducing production costs and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
each supporting block makes use of a bottom suction cup and a top suction cup, which can be activated by vacuum to maintain in a desired position each block on the bench of the work centre and to maintain in a fixed position the plate supported on the block
Data Source
AI summary
A numeric-control work center can be used for carrying out cutting operations or grinding and/or milling operations on plates of stone, marble, or, in general, natural or synthetic stone material, or ceramic material. The work center comprises at least one working head movable along at least two mutually orthogonal horizontal axes on a work surface. The work surface includes a rigid supporting board, which defines a first planar supporting surface, and a series of sacrificial elements rigidly connected to the rigid supporting board. The sacrificial elements are arranged in positions spaced apart from each other and define a second supporting surface located at a higher level than the first planar supporting surface, so that a cutting tool coupled to the working head engraves the sacrificial elements, without interfering with the supporting board during a cutting operation on a plate resting on the sacrificial elements, whichever is the path followed by the cutting tool. Between the sacrificial elements there remain free portions of the planar surface of the supporting board, so that they can be removably engaged by one or more blocks for supporting and holding the plate. These blocks project above the sacrificial elements and are adapted to define a third supporting surface, located at a higher level than the second supporting surface, for supporting and holding a plate during a milling or grinding operation on the plate.