Bristle Processing Device for Tapered Grinding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bristle processing devices fail to mechanically sharpen bristles to a high quality with small cone angles, resulting in environmental concerns from chemical sharpening methods.

Innovation Solution

A bristle processing device with multiple intermediate magazines and a receiving unit, where bristle tufts are moved relative to a grinding device for simultaneous processing from multiple sides, creating a tapered end, and featuring a drive system for precise movement and handling of intermediate magazines and grinding units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If chemical sharpening method is used, then high quality tapered bristles with small cone angles can be produced, but environmental impact increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebristle taper qualityVSAvoidenvironmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical sharpening system with a mechanical grinding system. A grinding device with a rotating grinding disc equipped with grinding grains mechanically abrades the bristle ends to create tapered shapes, eliminating the need for chemical agents and their associated environmental harm while achieving the desired bristle taper quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and parameters of the grinding disc, including its rotation speed, grinding grain distribution, and disc geometry, to optimize the mechanical grinding process. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high-quality tapered bristle ends with small cone angles through controlled mechanical action rather than chemical treatment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple intermediate magazines are used for simultaneous processing, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebristle processing throughputVSAvoidmagazine system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the bristle processing system into multiple independent intermediate magazines, each capable of holding and presenting bristle tufts to the grinding device. This segmentation allows simultaneous processing of multiple bristle batches, increasing productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate magazines are designed as universal components that can be loaded, unloaded, and repositioned systematically. Each magazine serves multiple functions: storing bristle tufts, presenting them to the grinder, and receiving processed bristles. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite having multiple magazines

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If bristles are ground from all sides simultaneously, then manufacturing precision of conical shape improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconical shape accuracyVSAvoidgrinding mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic movement of the intermediate magazines relative to the stationary grinding disc. The magazines are positioned and moved to present bristle tufts at optimal angles to the grinding surface, enabling multi-sided grinding through systematic repositioning rather than complex multi-axis grinding mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate magazines act as intermediaries between the bristle supply and the grinding disc. They facilitate the presentation of bristles from multiple sides by rotating or repositioning the tufts before contact with the grinder, achieving conical shape precision without requiring the grinding device itself to have complex multi-directional capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables the mechanical sharpening of bristles to achieve high-quality tapered ends with reduced environmental impact by optimizing the mechanical grinding process.

Implementation Method 1

the ends of the tufts press against the grinding disc and can be rounded off by rotating the grinding disc

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentEP4125496B1Bristle processing device
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 GB BOUCHERIE NV
  • EP4125496B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4125496B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4125496B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a processing device for grinding the ends of bristles, comprising a bristle cartridge (12) in which bristles are arranged so as to stand next to one another and comprising multiple intermediate cartridges (16) equipped with recesses into which bristle bunches from the bristle cartridge (12) are inserted and thus individualized. The ends of the bristle bunches protrude axially relative to the respective paired intermediate cartridge (16). A receiving unit (14) to which multiple intermediate cartridges (16) are attached simultaneously is designed such that the intermediate cartridges (16) are moved during the grinding process. A grinding device then grinds the ends of the bristle bunches in the intermediate cartridges (16). At least one drive (52) is provided for the intermediate cartridges (16) and/or the receiving unit (14) so that the bristle bunches are moved by said drive (52) during the grinding process.