Slab Tipper
TESTING
A mock installation was chosen as a primary testing method. This allows multiple requirements to be tested in the process, such as the stands ability to support the stone, functionality, and force required for the installation.
TEST #1
Fail
The Slab Tipper was set up next to a crate for the mock install. A smaller stone was selected for a starting point, it was moved with a forklift and lowered onto the stands. When the stands started taking the weight of the stone it was clear that the center of gravity was too far forward and caused the stands to tip and pivot over the front foot, at the point where it is pinned. At this point the testing process was shut down to ensure the safety of the workers and testers. It was decided that a few changes needed to be made to the stand, such as:
1. the base needed to be bigger
2. the tipping surface needed to be made shorter
TEST #2
Success
After the changes were made to the Slab Tipper, including welding on a plate base and shortening the tipping surface, the Slab Tipper was tested a second time. It was setup similarly to the first test, and again a small stone of 583lbs was selected for the first part of the test. The stands were able to support the stone and pit it onto the surface by a single person. A larger stone was then selected, 963lbs. This was loaded on the stands, the stands were successful was supporting and transporting to the counter top. Even one person was able to tip and control the stone on their own. Test two was considered a success. A weigh test was thrown in as a bonus, the stands failed that as it is almost doubled the initial required weight, although this is less important. After the second test there is still few changes to be made to the mechanism, such as:
1. Stoping the tipping surfaces from spinning
2. preventing the tipping surfaces from slamming back down after the stone is slid off
3. making the stands shorter
RESULTS
Requirments
Weigh less than 50 lbs - Fail
Able to be operated by 2-3 workers - Pass
Protect wood or tile floors - Pass
Cost less than $1000 - Pass
Adjustable height 30"-42" - Pass/Fail
Able to be used in a 42" isle - Pass
Pivot point 10"-12" from Cabinet - Pass
