Acoustic Interference Detection for Saw Blade Sharpening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for sharpening circular knife edged blades, such as log saw blades, require manual adjustment and visual inspection in noisy environments, leading to variability and safety concerns, and necessitate frequent blade removal for sharpening, resulting in downtime.
Innovation Solution
A sound level meter system that can be removably mounted to a blade sharpening apparatus, using a microphone and processor to detect interference between the blade and sharpening stones, allowing for precise and safe adjustment without manual intervention, even in noisy conditions, and enabling sharpening while the blade is in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment and visual inspection are used to set up sharpening stones, then the operator can adjust the sharpening apparatus, but the setup becomes variable and imprecise due to noisy environments and safety guards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and mechanical adjustment with an automated acoustic detection system. A sensor detects the acoustic signal generated when the blade contacts the sharpening stone, and a controller automatically adjusts the stone position based on this signal, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection and improving both precision and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the acoustic signal from blade-stone contact is continuously monitored by the sensor and processed by the controller. The controller uses this feedback information to automatically adjust the sharpening stone position, ensuring consistent and precise sharpening without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If the blade is removed for sharpening, then the blade can be sharpened, but operational downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous sharpening operation by allowing the blade to remain in the log saw apparatus while being sharpened. The automated system performs sharpening adjustments during operational cycles, eliminating the need to remove the blade and thus maintaining continuous production without downtime.
3Productivity
If spring-loaded abrasives are used to contact the blade, then the blade can be sharpened, but manual adjustment is required which increases variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service sharpening system where the automated acoustic detection and control system performs the sharpening adjustments without operator intervention. The system automatically monitors blade-stone contact through acoustic signals and adjusts the sharpening stones independently, ensuring consistent and variable-free sharpening results.
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 system minimizes variability in setup, enhances operator safety, and maximizes operational time by providing accurate and reliable detection of blade-stone interference, reducing the need for frequent blade removal and manual adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a microphone; a processor coupled to the microphone
Implementation Method 2
a magnet for removably mounting the sound level meter to a blade sharpening apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a sound level meter that may be removably coupled to a saw blade sharpening apparatus to aid in safe, reliable, reproducible and effective saw blade sharpening. The sound level meter is adapted to be removably attached to the saw blade sharpening apparatus and to provide accurate and reliable indication of interference between the saw blade and the saw blade sharpening stones. The sound level meter is capable of detecting interference even in the often noisy operating environment.