Cross-Grind Knife Sharpener Using Annular Abrasive Disk

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing knife sharpening methods are inefficient and impractical for creating a highly effective cutting edge with unique micro-serrations and irregularities, as they require extensive manual effort and are time-consuming, and existing powered sharpeners often create undesirable burrs or lack precision in forming cross-grind patterns.

Innovation Solution

A combination of electrically powered and manual sharpening means using a unique annular abrasive disk and cone-shaped abrasive wheels, respectively, to create a cross-grind knife edge with precise micro-serrations and flutes, allowing for efficient and reproducible sharpening of knife edges with distinct grinding angles, minimizing burr formation and enhancing cutting performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual sharpening methods are used to create precise micro-serrations and cross-grind patterns, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to extensive manual effort and time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision in forming cross-grind patternsVSAvoidsharpening speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical sharpening with an automated electrical sharpener system that uses a rotating abrasive wheel to create cross-grind patterns and micro-serrations. The electrical motor drives the abrasive wheel at controlled speeds, eliminating the need for manual strokes while maintaining precision in forming the knife edge geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes different abrasive materials with varying grit sizes (e.g., 600 grit, 1000 grit, 1500 grit) to control the sharpening process at different stages. By changing the abrasive material parameters, the system achieves both rapid material removal and precise micro-structure formation without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If powered sharpeners are used to increase productivity, then sharpening speed is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to burr formation and lack of precision in cross-grind patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesharpening speedVSAvoidprecision of knife edge geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sharpening process into multiple stages using different abrasive wheels with specific grit sizes. The first stage uses coarser abrasives for rapid material removal, followed by finer abrasives for precision cross-grind patterns. This segmentation allows the powered system to achieve both speed and precision by sequentially applying different abrasive parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a specific abrasive wheel design with optimized geometry and material composition as an intermediary between the motor and the knife edge. This intermediary abrasive medium controls the interaction between the powered system and the blade, preventing burr formation while maintaining cross-grind pattern precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If conventional abrasive wheels are used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to create unique micro-serrations and flutes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of sharpening processVSAvoidcreation of micro-serrations and flutes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs abrasive wheels with non-uniform surface characteristics, where specific regions of the wheel have different abrasive grain orientations and grit sizes. This local variation in abrasive quality enables the creation of micro-serrations and flutes at the knife edge while maintaining overall ease of operation through the automated rotating wheel mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution enables rapid and precise creation of a versatile, multi-purpose cutting edge that performs well in both slicing and shearing actions, with enhanced durability and sharpness, using a combination of electric and manual sharpening stages with diamond abrasives to maintain edge quality and prevent damage.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical sharpener for a knife as set forth in claim 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 2

using a combination of electric and manual sharpening stages with diamond abrasives

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2461940B1Novel, sharpeners to create gross-grind knife edges

Publication Date: 2014.09.10 EDGECRAFT CORP

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AI summary

A sharpener for creating cross-grind knife edges includes a nominally flat annular abrasive sharpening member which could be a ring or a disk and is rotated about its center and held against a moving knife edge facet to simultaneously and sequentially abrade the knife edge at multiple locations on the abrasive member. The disk may be slidably mounted on a shaft in opposition to a spring restraining force. The disk is nominally disposed in a vertical orientation. The sharpener may include multiple stages including a manual stage having a pair of off axis conical shaped rotatable abrasive coated disks which have abrading lines on opposing facets which are not parallel but cross and intersect in a crossing pattern at the blade edge.