Crosswise Abrasive Belt Sharpening Device with Dynamic Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sharpening devices with movable abrasive belts fail to easily achieve a convex cutting edge profile, requiring operator dexterity and multiple adjustments to obtain the desired curved cutting profile.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating support means, such as a support roller with an off-centered cylindrical active surface, that alternately varies the angle of the sharpening dihedral during movement, allowing automatic adjustment of the blade's angle to achieve a convex edge profile through simple movements in the median plane of the sharpening dihedral.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fixed support means are used at the underlying dihedral, then the structure is simple and stable, but the sharpening angle cannot be adjusted automatically to obtain a convex cutting profile

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of obtaining convex cutting profileVSAvoidcomplexity of support means
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support means is transformed from a fixed static structure to a dynamic movable structure. The support roller is positioned on a guide rail that allows it to move along the abrasive belt's path, enabling automatic adjustment of the support point position and sharpening angle during operation, thus achieving convex profile without requiring multiple fixed adjustment positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A guide rail is introduced as an intermediary element between the fixed structure and the movable support roller. The guide rail constrains the support roller's movement to a specific path while allowing smooth translation, mediating between the stationary device frame and the dynamically positioned support point to achieve controlled angle variation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple support rollers with adjustments are provided, then the convex profile can be obtained through successive adjustments, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of cutting profileVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support roller system performs self-adjustment through its mechanical interaction with the moving abrasive belt. As the belt moves and flexes under the support roller, the roller automatically follows the belt's contour changes, providing continuous self-adjustment of the support point without requiring operator intervention for angle modifications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The support roller exhibits periodic reciprocating movements as it follows the abrasive belt's periodic flexing and tension changes during operation. This periodic action creates the necessary angle variations to form the convex profile through repeated cycles of support point adjustment, eliminating the need for manual successive adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Device complexity

If the support roller is fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but the sharpening angle remains constant and cannot produce convex edges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of support structureVSAvoidability to generate convex profile
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support roller is merged with the guide rail system to create a unified movable support assembly. The guide rail and support roller work together as an integrated unit where the rail provides the movement path and the roller provides the support function, combining simplicity of structure with adaptability through the coupled movement mechanism

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

Enables automatic generation of a convex or shell-shaped cutting edge profile with high frequency reciprocating movements, enhancing the ease and precision of sharpening operations without the need for multiple adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

a support roller whose active surface is cylindrical, which support roller is mounted to rotate around an axis off-centered relative to the axis of said cylindrical active surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOff-centered rotation: Eccentric

Implementation Method 2

at least two movable abrasive belts each provided with an active abrasive top surface and a bottom surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 3

the operation requires experience and good dexterity to obtain the desired cutting profile

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3142830B1Sharpening device having abrasive belts arranged crosswise
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 BOBET MATERIEL
  • EP3142830B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3142830B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3142830B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

The present invention relates to a sharpening device (1) for a blade of a cutting tool such as a knife or similar, which sharpening device comprises at least two moving abrasive belts (2; 3, 4), each having a top active abrasive surface and a bottom surface, which belts (2; 3, 4) are longitudinally offset and arranged crosswise to form a crossing line (8) defining, on one side, a sharpening dihedron (9) formed by said moving top surfaces of said belts (2; 3, 4), and on the other side, an underlying dihedron (10) formed by said moving bottom surfaces of said belts (2; 3, 4). In accordance with the invention, said sharpening device comprises means (15) of bearing against one of said bottom surfaces of said belts (2; 3, 4), at said underlying dihedron (10), which bearing means (15) are able to vary the angle of said sharpening dihedron (9) in an alternating manner, during the movement of the belts (2, 3, 4).