Abrasive Segments with Shaped Gullet Walls for Swarf Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing abrasive tools lack efficient fluid movement and swarf removal capabilities, leading to suboptimal cutting and grinding performance in construction materials.

Innovation Solution

The development of abrasive articles with segments featuring inter-segment and intra-segment gullets having shaped gullet walls, which facilitate enhanced fluid movement and swarf removal through the design of recessed regions and angled gullet portions, improving the abrasive article's ability to remove swarf and move cutting fluid effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If standard abrasive segments are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but fluid movement and swarf removal capabilities are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting and grinding performanceVSAvoidsegment structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The abrasive segment is divided into multiple functional zones including inter-segment gullets and intra-segment gullets with shaped walls. This segmentation allows different regions to perform specific functions: swarf collection, fluid movement, and cutting action, thereby improving overall productivity without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the segment are given different geometric characteristics. The gullet walls have specific angles and shapes in different regions to optimize fluid flow in some areas while maximizing swarf removal in others. This local differentiation improves cutting performance without requiring complete redesign of the entire segment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If gullets with shaped gullet walls are implemented, then fluid movement and swarf removal are enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswarf removal efficiencyVSAvoidsegment fabrication difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shaped gullet walls and recessed regions are pre-formed during the segment manufacturing process rather than being added subsequently. This preliminary formation of complex geometries integrates the fluid movement and swarf removal features into the base manufacturing workflow, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the advanced geometry required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If recessed regions and angled gullet portions are added, then cutting fluid movement is improved, but the segment design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting fluid movement efficiencyVSAvoidsegment geometry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The segment design incorporates three-dimensional shaped gullet walls with specific angles and recessed regions that create multiple flow paths for cutting fluid. By utilizing vertical and angular dimensions in addition to horizontal spacing, the design enhances fluid movement efficiency without requiring excessive horizontal complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2938462B1Abrasive article having abrasive segments with shaped gullet walls
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 SAINT GOBAIN ABRASIVES INC
  • EP2938462B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2938462B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2938462B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A segment for an abrasive article is disclosed. The segment can include a segment body that can have a first face that can extend along a length of the segment body on a first side of the segment body and a second face that can extend along the length of the segment body on a second side of the segment body opposite the first side. A gullet wall can extend from the first face to the second face. The gullet wall can extend along a gullet. The segment can also include a recessed region that can extend into one or both of the first and second faces. The recessed region can include a gullet portion extending at least partially along the gullet wall.