Abrasive Assembly Alignment Elements Concentricity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current abrasive articles lack precise alignment and quick attachment capabilities, leading to suboptimal surface characteristics in various industrial applications, such as automotive paint repair and aerospace machining, where precise surface roughness and gloss are critical.
Innovation Solution
The development of an abrasive assembly with a self-centering mechanism, featuring a cylindrical abrasive disc and back-up pad with complementary engagement and alignment elements, allowing for low concentricity and rapid assembly, along with structurally weakened portions for selective exposure of additional abrasive edges, enabling enhanced surface treatment capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional abrasive articles are used without alignment elements, then the attachment process is simple, but the concentricity and surface characteristics are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The abrasive article incorporates alignment elements (protrusions and recesses) that automatically self-align during attachment to the polishing pad, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or complex adjustment mechanisms. The complementary alignment elements on the abrasive article and pad work together to automatically establish proper concentricity when engaged.
2Loss of time
If traditional abrasive articles are used without quick attachment features, then the attachment is secure, but the changeover time is lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The abrasive article is divided into distinct functional components including engagement features (hooks or loops), alignment elements (protrusions and recesses), and abrasive surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling rapid attachment through simple engagement of these pre-configured features without requiring complex assembly procedures.
3Duration of action of moving object
If single-edge abrasive discs are used, then the structure is simple, but the operational life is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The abrasive article incorporates multiple abrasive edges (primary and secondary edges) that can be dynamically activated during operation. As the disc rotates, different edges come into contact with the workpiece surface at different rotational positions, allowing operators to selectively use different edges based on wear patterns or application requirements, thereby extending the overall operational life of the abrasive article.
Data Source
AI summary
An abrasive assembly including a back-up pad having a central axis, an engagement component, and an alignment element; and an abrasive disc having a central axis, the abrasive disc engaged with the back-up pad, the abrasive disc including an alignment element; wherein the alignment element of the back-up pad aligns with the alignment element of the abrasive disc, wherein the engagement component of the back-up pad engages with the abrasive disc, and wherein the back-up pad and the abrasive disc have a concentricity tolerance, C, as measured between the central axis of the back-up pad and the central axis of the abrasive disc, of no greater than about 0.1.