Flexible Surface Treatment Tool With Disc-Guided Bristle Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for machining surfaces, edge areas, and contours with flexible machining means lack the ability to provide differential stiffness and flexibility in different directions, leading to inefficient deformation and movement of machining elements.
Innovation Solution
A tool design featuring a disc-shaped base body with radially arranged flexible machining means, such as bristles or filaments, and strategically placed discs that allow for varying stiffness by restricting movement in the tool axis direction, enabling deformation in the circumferential direction and maintaining constant rigidity along the circumference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible machining elements are arranged radially outward from the base body without additional discs, then the machining elements can move freely in all directions, but they lack controlled deformation capability and exhibit uniform compliance in all directions
Solution Approach 1:
The tool structure is segmented by introducing at least two discs that divide the space around the machining elements. These discs create distinct zones that guide and control the deformation of flexible machining elements in specific directions, transforming the undifferentiated radial arrangement into a segmented structure with controlled compliance in different spatial directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional radial arrangement of machining elements on the base body circumference to a three-dimensional structure by adding discs positioned at different axial locations. This dimensional addition creates a layered configuration that enables controlled deformation along the tool axis while maintaining radial flexibility, thus achieving differential compliance in multiple dimensions.
2Manufacturing precision
If discs are added to restrict movement of machining elements in the tool axis direction, then controlled stiffness and deformation are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discs serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as structural support elements, guides for machining element deformation, and spacers that maintain precise axial positioning. By making the discs multi-functional, the invention achieves precise control over machining element behavior without requiring additional separate components for each function, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The discs function as intermediary elements between the base body and the flexible machining elements. They mediate the interaction by providing a controlled interface that allows radial movement while restricting axial movement, thus enabling precise control over deformation without direct complex mechanisms attached to each machining element.
3Productivity
If the flexible machining elements are allowed to deform along their entire length, then optimal machining performance is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex to control
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the control function from complex active mechanisms and replaces it with passive geometric constraints provided by the discs. By removing the need for active control systems and relying instead on the inherent geometric configuration of discs positioned at specific locations, the machining elements can deform along their entire length passively, achieving optimal performance without complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible machining elements perform self-service by automatically deforming along their entire length in response to machining conditions, guided by the passive geometric constraints of the disc structure. No external control system is needed—the elements self-regulate their deformation based on the physical boundaries imposed by the disc arrangement, achieving efficient machining with minimal control complexity.
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 tool achieves optimal deformation and flexibility in different directions, ensuring effective machining by allowing flexible machining means to deform over their entire length, resulting in improved machining precision and tool performance.
Implementation Method 1
Flexible processing tools mean that they undergo elastic movement under load and essentially return to their original shape and position when unloaded.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tool (1) for treating surfaces, edge regions and contours, the tool comprising at least one disc-shaped base body (2) which can be rotated about a tool axis (20), and a plurality of flexible treatment means (3) which are positioned on a periphery (21) of the base body (2), wherein the treatment means (3) are rod-like and are arranged at a distance from one another, and extend substantially radially outwards from the periphery (21) of the base body (2), wherein at least two discs (4, 5) are arranged in the direction of the tool axis (20), between which discs the treatment means (3) are positioned.