DC Motor Glass Grinder with Modular Water Basin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing table-top glass grinding apparatuses are limited by AC motors that restrict their use to specific voltage and frequency, require cooling fans, and do not allow for easy water management, making them less versatile and efficient for hobbyists.
Innovation Solution
A glass grinding apparatus using a direct current (DC) motor powered by an AC/DC power supply that operates at higher speeds and torque without cooling fans, and includes a removable water basin with handles and water-restriction baffles for improved portability and spill reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If AC motors are used in glass grinding apparatus, then the motor can operate at standard voltage and frequency, but the motor requires cooling fans and restricts use to specific voltage and frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the AC motor with a DC motor powered by a battery pack, eliminating the need for cooling fans and adapting the apparatus to operate without wall power. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing versatility (battery-powered portability) while reducing complexity (no cooling fan needed).
Solution Approach 2:
The DC motor and battery pack configuration enables the glass grinder to operate in multiple settings (portable outdoor locations, areas without electrical outlets), making it universally applicable beyond fixed workshop environments while eliminating the cooling fan requirement.
2Ease of operation
If the water basin is integrated into the motor housing assembly, then the structure is more compact, but the water basin cannot be easily removed for filling and emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the apparatus into separate modules: the motor housing assembly and the water basin assembly. The water basin can be independently removed from the motor housing, allowing easy filling and emptying while maintaining a relatively compact overall structure when assembled. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by improving accessibility without excessive complexity.
3Productivity
If the grinding bit rotates at high speed, then grinding efficiency increases, but glass chipping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a water delivery system that provides continuous irrigation to the grinding interface. The water cools the grinding bit and workpiece, reducing thermal stress and preventing glass chipping even at high rotational speeds. This hydraulic approach resolves the contradiction by enabling high productivity while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts operational parameters including water flow rate, grinding bit rotation speed, and applied pressure to optimize performance. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves high grinding speeds while minimizing chipping through proper cooling and pressure management.
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 DC motor allows for higher speed and torque, reducing glass chipping and enabling faster grinding, while the modular water system simplifies water management and reduces spillage, making the apparatus more versatile and user-friendly.
Implementation Method 1
the power supply may be a direct current power supply operable to convert alternating current from different utility mains having different voltage and frequency characteristics into direct current at a substantially uniform voltage for powering the direct current motor
Implementation Method 2
an irrigation fluid such as water is typically used to cool and wash the grinding bit during the grinding process
Implementation Method 3
The grinding bit can be formed with a surface coating of diamonds or other abrasive particles capable of grinding, sanding or polishing glass
Data Source
AI summary
A glass grinding apparatus includes a base unit assembly having a work-piece support assembly and a motor housing assembly. The work-piece support assembly includes a work-piece support grating and a water basin. The motor housing assembly includes a motor housing containing a grinding motor and a power supply. The grinding motor has a rotatable motor shaft whose upper end is configured to receive a glass grinding bit operable to grind a glass work-piece situated on the work-piece support grating. In one aspect, the grinding motor operates on direct current provided by an AC/DC power supply that is directly operable with different utility mains. In another aspect, the work-piece support assembly is a discrete unit having lifting handles. In another aspect, the work-piece support grating has water-restriction baffles and/or a water-level view port. In another aspect, an integrated lamp-shield assembly is provided. In another aspect, a self-contained pedestal assembly is provided.