Abrasive Disc Universal Hole Pattern for Dust Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing abrasive discs with universal hole patterns are costly, difficult to manufacture, and may compromise the strength and installation ease due to complex designs, failing to align properly with different dust collection hole patterns on sanding tools.

Innovation Solution

A universal hole pattern on abrasive discs featuring six openings, including two circular and four elongated openings, arranged for easy alignment and minimal material removal, ensuring proper dust collection and ease of installation across various dust collection hole patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If abrasive discs are designed with complex universal hole patterns to match multiple dust collection hole patterns, then adaptability to different sanding tools is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different dust collection hole patternsVSAvoidhole pattern design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The abrasive disc is designed with a universal hole pattern that can accommodate multiple dust collection hole patterns (five-hole and eight-hole patterns) through a single standardized configuration. The hole pattern includes six openings arranged in a specific geometric configuration that ensures compatibility with both tool types, allowing one disc design to serve multiple functions across different sanding tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameters of the hole pattern from tool-specific configurations to a standardized universal configuration. By defining specific parameters for the six openings (their positions, sizes, and angular relationships), the disc can maintain adaptability across different tool patterns while simplifying manufacturing through parameter standardization rather than creating multiple complex patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If more openings are added to the abrasive disc to improve dust collection alignment, then dust collection effectiveness is improved, but disc strength and structural integrity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedust collection effectivenessVSAvoidabrasive disc strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing openings for every possible dust collection hole pattern configuration, the invention uses a partial action approach with six strategically positioned openings that provide sufficient dust collection effectiveness for both five-hole and eight-hole patterns. This partial coverage is adequate to maintain disc strength while achieving the necessary dust collection alignment, avoiding the excessive removal of material that would occur with more comprehensive hole patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The hole pattern is designed with local quality by positioning openings at specific locations and orientations that optimize dust collection at critical areas. The six openings are arranged to provide adequate dust extraction capability where needed most, rather than uniformly distributing holes throughout the disc, thereby maintaining overall structural integrity while achieving effective dust collection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If non-standard opening shapes are used to achieve universal alignment, then adaptability to different hole patterns is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment with different dust collection patternsVSAvoidopening shape fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention maintains ease of manufacture by using standard circular opening shapes with consistent dimensions. The universality is achieved not through complex non-standard shapes but through careful parameter selection of the opening positions and angular relationships. All six openings have uniform size and shape, which simplifies manufacturing while the specific parameter values enable compatibility with multiple dust collection patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If material removal is increased to create more comprehensive hole patterns, then dust collection coverage is improved, but disc strength and lifespan deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedust collection coverageVSAvoidabrasive disc lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes only the minimum necessary amount of material to achieve adequate dust collection coverage for both five-hole and eight-hole patterns. The six openings are sized and positioned to provide sufficient dust extraction capability without excessive material removal, thereby preserving disc strength and extending operational lifespan while maintaining effective dust collection performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10099343B2Abrasive disc with universal hole pattern

Publication Date: 2018.10.16 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

An abrasive disc for use with a sanding tool having a plurality of dust collection holes includes a hole pattern consisting of six openings arranged for substantial alignment with the dust collection holes provided in the sanding tool.