Abrasive Disc Testing Device with Sensor Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for testing abrasive discs are either highly operator-dependent and subjective or expensive and cumbersome, making them non-repeatable and inaccessible in many settings.

Innovation Solution

A compact, portable device equipped with sensors and a processing module that ensures consistent test parameters by monitoring and adjusting the orientation, pressure, and rotation of the abrasive disc during machining, providing real-time feedback to the operator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If manual testing is performed by an operator, then the test can be carried out with simple equipment, but the test results are not repeatable and are dependent on operator variability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of testing equipmentVSAvoidrepeatability of test results
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs sensors (force sensor, orientation sensor, rotation sensor) that provide real-time feedback to the operator during the machining test. The processing module receives data from these sensors and provides guidance signals to help the operator maintain constant test parameters (pressure, orientation, rotation speed), thereby eliminating operator variability while keeping the testing system simple and accessible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If automatic machines are used to maintain constant test parameters, then repeatable and objective test results are achieved, but the equipment becomes expensive and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepeatability of test resultsVSAvoidcomplexity and cost of testing equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the operator to self-correct and maintain proper test conditions through real-time feedback from sensors and processing module guidance. Instead of requiring complex automatic machinery to enforce constant parameters, the operator actively participates in maintaining test conditions based on sensor feedback, thereby achieving repeatable results with simpler, more accessible equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If complex automatic testing machines are deployed, then consistent test conditions are maintained, but the device becomes less portable and more difficult to transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistency of test parametersVSAvoidportability and accessibility of device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The testing system is divided into separate functional components: sensors (force sensor, orientation sensor, rotation sensor), a processing module, and a display unit. This segmentation allows the system to be configured in different ways and makes it more adaptable to portable applications, as components can be distributed or integrated based on specific testing needs rather than requiring a single complex machine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 device enables objective, repeatable, and cost-effective testing of abrasive discs, ensuring consistent results and reducing operator variability, while being easily transportable and accessible.

Implementation Method 1

a first sensor (2), set up to detect the orientation of the disc (D) in space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Implementation Method 2

a second sensor (3), set up to detect a contact force between the disc (D) and the surface to be machined

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce detection:

Implementation Method 3

a third sensor (4), set up to detect a rotation speed of the tool (T)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation detection:

Data Source

PatentEP4050321A1A device for testing abrasive discs
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 RI FLEX ABRASIVES SRL
  • EP4050321A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4050321A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4050321A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A device for testing an abrasive disc, comprising: a first sensor (2), applicable to an electric tool (T) for activation in rotation about an axis of rotation (Z) of an abrasive disc (D), which is set up to detect the orientation of the disc (D) in space; a second sensor (3), set up to detect a force with which the disc (D) is pressed in contact with a work surface; a processing module (C), provided with an algorithm set up to detect the transmitted data of the first and second sensor (2,3), so as to compare said data with prefixed threshold intervals and to process a signal which indicates to an operator whether the data transmitted from the first and second sensor (2,3) are within the prefixed threshold intervals.