Batch Polishing Apparatus with Rotating Magnet Sets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current magnetic field assisted polishing technologies are ineffective for batch processing of complex surfaces, failing to meet the requirements of cost-effectiveness and precision needed for industrial applications such as polishing free-form surfaces like artificial implants and turbine blades.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus featuring an annular cavity with multiple workpiece mounting, a magnetic abrasive, and rotating magnet sets that generate a magnetic field to polish multiple workpieces simultaneously, ensuring high-precision polishing of free-form surfaces in batches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional magnetic field assisted polishing is used, then high-precision polishing of single workpiece is achieved, but batch processing capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface roughness precisionVSAvoidbatch processing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus segments the polishing system into multiple independent magnet sets (first magnet set, second magnet set, etc.) arranged around the annular cavity, each capable of generating magnetic fields independently. This segmentation allows multiple workpieces to be polished simultaneously while maintaining the precision of individual polishing, resolving the contradiction between single-piece precision and batch processing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The annular cavity design provides a universal mounting structure that can accommodate multiple different types of workpieces (artificial implants, turbine blades, optical molds) simultaneously. The magnet sets are positioned to provide magnetic field coverage for various workpiece geometries, enabling the apparatus to perform batch polishing of diverse free-form surfaces while maintaining high precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If traditional finishing methods are used, then batch processing is achieved, but surface accuracy and nanoscale roughness are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebatch processing capabilityVSAvoidsurface accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus replaces traditional mechanical contact-based finishing methods with magnetic field-assisted polishing. The magnet sets generate magnetic fields that act on magnetic abrasive particles, creating a non-contact or minimal-contact polishing mechanism. This substitution maintains surface accuracy and nanoscale roughness while enabling batch processing of multiple workpieces, overcoming the limitation of conventional mechanical methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If single workpiece polishing is used, then high precision is maintained, but cost-effectiveness for production decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolishing precisionVSAvoidcost-effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus merges multiple polishing operations into a single batch processing cycle. Multiple magnet sets and multiple workpieces are combined in one apparatus, allowing simultaneous polishing of multiple artificial implants, turbine blades, or optical molds. This merging maintains high precision for each workpiece while significantly improving cost-effectiveness by reducing setup time, energy consumption, and operational costs compared to sequential single-piece polishing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 apparatus achieves high-precision polishing of multiple workpieces in batches, enhancing cost-effectiveness and applicability to complex surfaces like artificial implants, turbine blades, and optical molds, while maintaining the precision of traditional magnetic field assisted polishing.

Implementation Method 1

multiple magnet sets for generating a magnetic field for the magnetic abrasive to remove surface material of the workpieces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

applying a magnetic field on the magnetic fluid to generate hydrostatic pressure for polishing flat surface and curved surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetorheological effect: Magnetorheological Fluid

Implementation Method 3

magnets provided inside and outside the annular cavity for rotating about an axis of the annular cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotating magnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20220161383A1Apparatus for batch polishing of workpieces

Publication Date: 2022.05.26 THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIV

AI summary

Disclosed is an apparatus for the batch polishing of workpieces, the apparatus includes an annular cavity, in which several workpieces are mounted, magnetic abrasives, which are arranged in the annular cavity and used for polishing the workpieces, and multiple magnet sets, which are used for generating a magnetic field for the magnetic abrasives in order to remove a surface material of the workpieces, wherein each of the magnet sets comprises magnets arranged on both inner and outer sides of the annular cavity and configured to rotate about the axis of the annular cavity.