Tile Saw Table Assembly with Segmented Guide Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tile saw systems with movable tables face challenges in accommodating larger work pieces without increasing the bulk and footprint, making them difficult to maneuver, transport, and set up near the installation location.
Innovation Solution
A table assembly with wheel carriage assemblies and guide slots allows for the movement of a work piece along a cutting axis, enabling the support and cutting of longer pieces while maintaining a compact footprint, using a combination of large and small diameter wheels and guide slots to facilitate stability and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rail and roller system is used to enable table movement for increased cutting control, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and bulk increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The table assembly is segmented into a base member and a work support member that can move independently relative to each other. The work support member is further divided into multiple sections that can be positioned along guide slots, allowing the table to accommodate long work pieces without requiring a single large moving table structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of movement by allowing the work support member to slide along guide slots in a direction perpendicular to the blade cutting path. This enables long work pieces to be positioned at an angle, effectively increasing the usable table length without increasing the table's footprint in the cutting direction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the table is made longer to accommodate larger work pieces, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The table assembly is divided into a stationary base member and a movable work support member. The work support member can be independently positioned and secured at different locations along the guide slots, allowing users to work with long pieces without manipulating an entire long table structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The work support member is designed to be dynamically positionable along the guide slots, transitioning between movable and fixed states. Users can easily move the work support member to different positions and secure it during cutting operations, making long work pieces manageable without requiring a fully movable long table.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the table length is increased to support longer work pieces, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to transportation and storage difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The table assembly is segmented into a compact base member and a work support member that can be positioned along guide slots. This segmentation allows the work support member to be a separate, manageable component that can be easily transported and stored independently from the base member, while still providing the capability to support long work pieces when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the lateral dimension along guide slots to accommodate long work pieces, rather than extending the table length in the cutting direction. This allows the table to maintain a compact footprint for transportation and storage while still providing adequate support length for long work pieces through angular positioning.
Data Source
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AI summary
A saw system (100) in one embodiment includes a base (110), a work support surface member (112) supported by the base (110) and including a work piece support surface defining a horizontal work piece support plane, and a plurality of wheels (120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130), each of the plurality of wheels (120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130) engaged with at least one of the base (110) and the work support surface member (112), wherein none of the plurality of wheels (120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130) is attached to either the base (110) or the work support surface member (112).