Abrasive Disc With Self-Centering Mechanism and Segmented Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 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 self-centering mechanisms, then manufacturing and assembly are simpler, but alignment precision and surface quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The abrasive article incorporates alignment elements and engagement features that automatically center the abrasive disc on the back-up pad during assembly, without requiring external alignment tools or complex adjustment mechanisms. The disc's outer edge engages with the back-up pad's inner surface to self-center the assembly, eliminating the need for manual alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The back-up pad serves as an intermediary component between the abrasive disc and the polishing/sanding machine interface. It includes engagement features that mediate the connection, providing both mechanical attachment and automatic alignment functions through its structured interface with the disc's outer edge.
2Productivity
If traditional attachment methods are used, then the structure is simpler, but attachment speed and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism is designed to automatically attach the abrasive disc to the back-up pad through complementary features on the disc's outer edge and the pad's inner surface. The self-centering action simultaneously achieves both alignment and attachment in a single operation, eliminating multi-step attachment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment elements and engagement features are pre-configured on the abrasive disc and back-up pad during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the disc is placed on the pad, the alignment and engagement occur automatically without requiring operator intervention for positioning or adjustment.
3Duration of action of moving object
If single-edge abrasive discs are used, then the structure is simpler, but operational duration and versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The abrasive disc is segmented into multiple functional edges: a primary working edge for initial material removal and a secondary edge for subsequent operations or when the primary edge becomes worn. This segmentation allows the disc to be used in multiple phases, extending its operational life beyond what a single-edge design would provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The disc structure allows for dynamic transition between different operational modes. As the primary abrasive edge wears down during use, the secondary edge becomes exposed and can be engaged for continued operation, providing adaptability and extending the overall service life of the abrasive article.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves improved surface characteristics with reduced concentricity and faster attachment, allowing for efficient and precise surface finishing across multiple applications, while extending the operational life of the abrasive surfaces through selective edge exposure.
Implementation Method 1
abrasives are used to remove bulk material and/or affect surface characteristics of products
Data Source
AI summary
An abrasive article including a disc including a central axis; a primary outer edge substantially coaxial with the central axis and having a circumferential length, L1; a secondary outer edge substantially coaxial with the central axis and coplanar with the primary outer edge, the secondary outer edge having a circumferential length, L2, wherein L2 is less than L1; and a structurally weakened portion extending substantially adjacent to the secondary outer edge. In an embodiment, the abrasive article further includes a shedable portion configured to rupture the structurally weakened portion when the shedable portion is removed from the abrasive disc. In another aspect, an abrasive article having an initial outer circumferential length, LI, and a length of deliberately exposable circumferential edge surface, LOE, wherein LOE is greater than LI.