Abrasive Disk Retainer with Desiccant for Curl Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vulcanized fiber abrasive disks are prone to curling due to humidity, leading to warping and brittleness, which renders them inoperable and results in waste, as existing solutions such as adding holes or plastic clamshell packaging have not effectively addressed this issue.
Innovation Solution
A disk package and retainer system with adjustable retaining members and a package panel that applies force from opposite sides of the disk to maintain it flat, using threaded surfaces and flange plates for secure grip, and a method to orient the panel adjacent a nonworking side to prevent curling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If vulcanized fiber is used for disk backing, then heat resistance and strength are improved, but susceptibility to humidity and curling increases
Solution Approach 1:
A desiccant material is introduced as an intermediary substance between the vulcanized fiber disk and the external environment. This desiccant absorbs excess humidity, mediating the harmful effect of moisture on the disk backing and preventing curling while allowing the use of strong vulcanized fiber material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a controlled microenvironment within the package by using desiccant material to maintain low humidity conditions. This effectively creates an 'inert' atmosphere regarding moisture, protecting the hygroscopic vulcanized fiber disk from humidity-induced curling during storage and display.
2Reliability
If plastic clam shell packaging is used, then disk protection is improved, but curl prevention effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces desiccant material as an active intermediary component within the packaging system. This desiccant directly addresses the curling problem by controlling humidity, whereas conventional plastic clam shells only provide passive physical enclosure without addressing the moisture-sensitivity issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the humidity parameter within the packaging environment by incorporating desiccant material. This active control of the humidity parameter prevents curling, whereas conventional packaging merely maintains physical containment without modifying the internal environmental parameters.
3Stress or pressure
If holes are added to disk, then stress reduction is improved, but curl prevention is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces desiccant material as an external intermediary that addresses the root cause of curling (humidity) rather than attempting to modify the disk structure. This approach is more effective than adding holes, as it prevents the formation of curl-inducing stresses rather than merely attempting to relieve them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by preventing curling before it occurs through the use of desiccant material in the packaging. This proactive approach to humidity control prevents the development of curling stresses, whereas adding holes is a reactive structural modification that only attempts to relieve already-formed stresses.
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 effectively prevents curling, maintains the disk in a flat condition, and increases the shelf life of abrasive materials, making the package reusable and cost-effective for displaying and storing disks.
Implementation Method 1
The package includes a desiccant material for absorbing excess moisture within the package
Implementation Method 2
apply force from opposite sides of the disk in a manner to substantially maintain the disk in a relatively flat condition
Data Source
AI summary
A disk package and retainer for a disk having an open surface therethrough and susceptible to curl includes a first member having a retention surface disposed adjacent a first side of the disk and adjacent the open surface of the disk and having a connecting surface and a second member having a retention surface disposed adjacent a second side of the disk and adjacent the open surface of the disk and having a connecting surface cooperatively connected to the connecting surface of the first member through the open surface such that the distance between the first member and second member can be adjustably maintained in a manner to apply force from opposite sides of the disk in a manner to substantially maintain the disk in a relatively flat condition. A panel is employed between the members adjacent the disk and method employing the members, disk and panel forms a package.