Electrolyte Particle Polishing Temperature Control via Liquid Recirculation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing polishing methods using solid particles with electrolytes face temperature fluctuations due to Joule effect and friction, leading to ineffective and non-homogeneous treatment results and reduced particle lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A method and equipment for temperature control involving liquid recirculation through a closed circuit with a filter and heat exchanger to adjust the temperature of solid particles in a liquid environment, preventing temperature increases and maintaining process consistency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If solid particles with electrolyte are used in polishing process, then polishing effectiveness is improved, but temperature increases due to Joule effect and friction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolishing effectivenessVSAvoidparticle temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a liquid medium as an intermediary between the heating particles and the heat exchanger. The liquid absorbs heat from the particles through convection and conducts it to the heat exchanger, enabling indirect temperature control while maintaining continuous particle circulation for effective polishing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If temperature control is implemented through direct contact heat exchanger, then temperature control efficiency is improved, but particle absorption by heat exchanger occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control efficiencyVSAvoidparticle absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the temperature control function into two independent components: a filtration system that separates particles from the liquid medium, and a heat exchanger that processes only the liquid. This segmentation prevents particle absorption by the heat exchanger while maintaining efficient temperature control through liquid circulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If solid particles are circulated for continuous polishing, then productivity is improved, but temperature fluctuations affect process homogeneity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous polishingVSAvoidprocess homogeneity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where temperature sensors continuously monitor particle temperature and provide signals to adjust the heat exchanger operation. This closed-loop feedback maintains constant particle temperature during continuous circulation, ensuring homogeneous polishing results while sustaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Loss of substance

If filtration system is added to prevent particle absorption, then particle loss is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle lossVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the filtration system with self-cleaning capabilities where the continuous liquid flow automatically removes accumulated particles from the filter surface. This self-service mechanism reduces particle loss without requiring complex manual cleaning systems or additional maintenance mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Ensures efficient, homogeneous, and repetitive polishing results by stabilizing particle temperature, extending their lifespan and improving conductivity.

Implementation Method 1

a heat exchanger (13), inserted in said duct circuit (10) downstream of said filter (12) and of said pump (11), wherein said liquid (4), as it passes through the heat exchanger (13), is thermally adjusted before re-entering the container (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

a suction pump (11), with power suitable for causing the liquid (4) to circulate throughout the entire path of the duct circuit (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Implementation Method 3

a filter (12) equipped with a fine mesh (121) with a lumen size such that it allows the liquid (4) when aspirated by the pump (11) to pass through it, but not the solid particles (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 4

the particles vary their temperature due to physical phenomena that occur during the surface treatment process, such as conduction of current or friction forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 5

the particles vary their temperature due to physical phenomena that occur during the surface treatment process, such as conduction of current or friction forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4721920A9Method and equipment for controlling the temperature of particles in polishing processes using solid particles with electrolyte in a liquid environment
Publication Date: 2026.05.13 STEROS GPA INNOVATIVE SL
  • EP4721920A9 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4721920A9 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4721920A9 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and equipment for controlling the temperature of particles in polishing processes by means of solid particles and/or solid particles containing an electrolyte, in a liquid environment. The method comprises: a step of absorbing the liquid (4) from the container (3) where the particles (2) are located; a step of thermally adjusting the liquid (4); and a step of reincorporating the liquid (4) after its thermal adjustment into the container (3) to control the temperature of the particles. And the equipment (1) comprises: a duct circuit (10), with an inlet mouth (101) and an outlet mouth (102) in the container (3); a suction pump (11); a filter (12) with a mesh (121) that does not allow particles (2) to pass through; and a heat exchanger (13).