Abrasive Pad Change Mechanism for Unmanned Robotized Abrading

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing abrading processes face inefficiencies due to the need for manual intervention and compatibility issues with various types of abrading products, particularly those with and without apertures, leading to reduced productivity and the inability to achieve fully automated operations.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising an abrading product detacher and attacher that enables non-manual, efficient detachment and attachment of abrading products of varying types and thicknesses, including perforated and non-perforated, by using a blade and table with adjustable distance and a gripping mechanism, allowing for fully unmanned robotized abrading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual intervention is used to change abrading products, then the abrading process can be halted for changing worn products, but productivity is reduced due to the need for manual operation and adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual operationVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated changing of abrading products through a robotized abrading head that can autonomously detach worn products and attach fresh ones using a blade mechanism and gripping means, eliminating the need for manual intervention and thereby maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations are replaced by an automated mechanical system comprising a blade for penetrating between the abrading product and gripping means, and a gripping device with gripping means for holding and positioning products during exchange

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If mechanical assistance is provided for changing abrading products, then some human burden is relieved, but the human operator must still adjust the mechanical assistance for different product thicknesses and aperture patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehuman burdenVSAvoidadjustment for different products

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The blade mechanism and gripping means are designed with universal adaptability to handle different types of abrading products including those with various aperture patterns and thicknesses, allowing a single automated system to perform multiple product exchange tasks without requiring manual reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates adjustable components that can dynamically adapt to different product specifications, enabling the mechanical assistance to automatically adjust to varying thicknesses and aperture patterns without human intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If aperture pattern alignment is ensured during product changing, then proper alignment is achieved, but the human operator bears the burden of ensuring alignment for different aperture patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment of aperture patternsVSAvoidoperator burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The manual task of ensuring aperture pattern alignment is replaced by an automated mechanical system with gripping means that can precisely position and align abrading products during the exchange process, eliminating the operator burden while maintaining alignment precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12515292B2Device for changing abrading products

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 KWH MIRKA LTD

AI summary

The disclosed solution comprises a device for changing abrading products (30), the device (1) comprising a detacher (2) comprising a table (10), a blade (14) adapted to penetrate into between an abrading product (30) and the gripping means (34) of the abrading tool (4), and means (16, 18, 19) to co-planarly adjust the mutual distance (d) between the table (10) and the blade (14) to correspond to the thickness (t) of the abrading product (30) in the absence of the abrading product (30).