Abrasive Tool Elastic Layer Sand Polishing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing abrasive tools lack combination of superior tension, elasticity, softness, and self-lubrication, which limits their effectiveness in polishing and abrading, especially on curved surfaces and under wet conditions.

Innovation Solution

An abrasive tool with an elastic layer comprising sand and an elastic glue layer, bonded to a foamed polymer substrate, providing elasticity, toughness, and self-lubrication through an adhesive bonding process, along with an abrasive layer for polishing and antistatic functions, and a touch fastener layer for flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a conventional abrasive tool structure is used, then the abrasive function is provided, but the tension, elasticity, and softness are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetension and elasticityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure consisting of a foam substrate layer, an elastic adhesive layer, and an abrasive layer. This multi-material composite design combines the structural support of foam, the elasticity and tension of the adhesive layer, and the abrasive function of the top layer, thereby achieving superior mechanical properties without excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic adhesive layer acts as a flexible intermediate film between the rigid foam substrate and the abrasive layer. This thin flexible layer provides the necessary elasticity and softness, allowing the abrasive tool to conform to curved surfaces while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Manufacturing precision

If an elastic layer is added to improve adhesion and surface adaptation, then the polishing quality improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolishing qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into the elastic adhesive layer: it serves as both the bonding agent between layers and the source of elasticity for surface adaptation. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing despite the added functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies precise thickness parameters for each layer (foam substrate: 2-10mm, elastic adhesive layer: 0.1-2mm, abrasive layer: 0.01-1mm) to optimize performance. By controlling these dimensional parameters, the patent achieves high polishing quality while maintaining manufacturability through standardized production processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the substrate is made from foamed polymer with pores, then absorption and self-lubrication functions are provided, but the structural density is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption and self-lubricationVSAvoidsubstrate density
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes a foamed polymer substrate with controlled porosity to provide absorption and self-lubrication functions. The porous structure allows the substrate to absorb lubricants or coolants and release them slowly, reducing friction and heat during operation. The foam structure maintains sufficient mechanical strength while enabling these functional properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

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 tool achieves improved polishing quality, superior surface finish, and enhanced durability with reduced scratches and improved lubrication, suitable for both dry and wet states, particularly effective on curved surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

The term 'elastic' refers to the function that a layer is reversibly deformed under the application of external forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the substrate has a superior absorption function. In other words, the substrate has an increased absorption capacity. This means it can absorb a large amount of liquid material, preferably a lubricant and/or a coolant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

the substrate has a slow release function. Thus, the substrate can release the absorbed liquid material under the action of external forces, e.g. pressing onto a surface to be polished, in a slow and controllable way

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSlow release:

Implementation Method 4

the substrate has a cooling and/or lubricating function during polishing and abrading

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 5

the substrate has a cooling and/or lubricating function during polishing and abrading

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP3321033B1Abrasive tool
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 DONG GUAN GOLDEN SUN ABRASIVES CO LTD
  • EP3321033B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

For achieving an optimal polishing result process it is suggested to configure an abrasive tool (1000) in such a way that the abrasive tool (100) has an elastic layer (11) wherein the elastic layer (11) comprises sand.