Extendable Tile Handling Structure for Vibration-Free Slab Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tile transportation structures face challenges such as inadequate protection against impacts and vibrations, limited versatility in handling different sizes and shapes, and inefficiency in space utilization, leading to potential damage and increased logistical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A modular, symmetrical metal structure with extendable 'T'-shaped arms and rotatable brackets that securely hold tiles of varying sizes and shapes, minimizing vibrations and ensuring stable transport through adjustable containment volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If wooden structures are used to transport ceramic slabs, then vibration suppression is improved, but water sensitivity and maintenance requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining wood for the base structure (utilizing its vibration-damping properties) with metal reinforcements and protective coatings. The wooden trays are strengthened with metal corner protectors and reinforced edges, creating a composite structure that maintains the vibration suppression benefits of wood while adding durability and water resistance through metal and coating materials.
2Strength
If metal structures are used to transport tiles, then strength and resistance are improved, but vibration suppression capability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure combining metal and wood materials. The metal components provide structural strength, rigidity, and resistance for handling heavy loads, while the wooden base and lining materials provide vibration damping. This composite approach allows the structure to simultaneously achieve high strength requirements and effective vibration suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different materials to different parts of the structure based on local requirements. Metal is used specifically for corner protectors, reinforcement elements, and structural frames where strength is critical, while wood is used for the base trays and lining where vibration damping is most effective. This localized material selection optimizes the overall performance by matching material properties to functional requirements.
3Device complexity
If tiles are packaged in corrugated paper or plastic, then packaging simplicity is improved, but impact protection and vibration damping worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple corrugated paper or plastic packaging with a composite wooden tray structure that combines multiple materials (wood, metal reinforcements, protective linings) to achieve superior impact and vibration protection. The layered composite construction provides both structural integrity for impact resistance and inherent damping properties for vibration reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The wooden tray structure is designed with built-in cushioning characteristics from the outset. The wood material itself provides natural vibration damping, and the structure includes features like recessed areas, protective corners, and reinforced edges that cushion tiles before impacts occur during handling and transport, preventing damage rather than just reacting to it.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If corner protectors are added to protect tile corners, then protection is improved, but device complexity and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates corner protection directly into the wooden tray structure itself rather than adding separate corner protector components. The tray is constructed with reinforced corners as part of the basic structure, and metal corner protectors are permanently attached or integrated into the wood, merging the protection function with the structural form. This eliminates the need for separate, removable corner protectors and reduces overall complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Structure (100) for handling tiles or slabs, comprising a load-bearing base (10) that is substantially horizontal when the structure is in use, and a central frame (13) that is firmly associated with the load-bearing base (10), is provided, on top, with a horizontal support plate (16), and extends vertically with respect to the load-bearing base (10), the central frame being provided with hooking means (12) for lifting the structure, the structure comprising a pair of 'T'-shaped extendable arms (17) arranged on substantially parallel or coincident planes, telescopically associated with the central frame (13) and equipped with substantially parallel restraining legs (24) facing each other so as to define corresponding restraining legs (24) capable of holding tiles or slabs that are received in the structure (100) and rest on the load-bearing base (10), wherein said 'T'-shaped extendable arms are located near the support plate (16).