Extensible Abrasive Article With Resin Layer For Irregular Surfaces

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing structured abrasive articles face challenges in achieving good contact with objects to be abraded, particularly those with irregular or curved surfaces, due to limitations in extensibility and durability of the abrasive surface during bending and extension.

Innovation Solution

A structured abrasive article comprising an extensible base member, a three-dimensional element with abrasive particles and binder, and a resin layer that binds the base member and the three-dimensional element, allowing for flexible contact with objects. The resin layer is formed without a core material to prevent damage and maintain uniform abrasion performance, and is tacky to ensure strong bonding and conformability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a structured abrasive article uses a rigid structure to maintain abrasive surface integrity, then durability is improved, but contact with irregular or curved surfaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidcontact with irregular surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The abrasive article is divided into multiple independent three-dimensional elements (protrusions) rather than a single rigid structure. Each element can independently deform and conform to the surface being abraded, enabling excellent contact with irregular or curved surfaces while maintaining structural integrity through the modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The abrasive article employs a flexible structure where the three-dimensional elements can elastically deform. This flexibility allows the elements to conform to irregular surfaces for excellent contact, while the overall structure maintains durability through the resilient nature of the flexible material that can recover its shape

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Strength

If the resin layer includes a core material to provide structural support, then strength is improved, but the abrasive surface may become damaged during bending and extension

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidabrasive surface integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The core material is completely removed from the resin layer, eliminating the source of damage during deformation. The resin layer is formed only by bonding the abrasive coating to the flexible base member, allowing the structure to bend and extend without the core material causing surface damage while maintaining sufficient strength through the bonding interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The abrasive coating itself forms a composite structure with the resin layer, combining the abrasive particles with the bonding resin to create a strong, flexible surface layer that provides both strength and resistance to damage during deformation without requiring a separate core material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If the abrasive coating is applied thickly to ensure coverage, then abrasive performance is improved, but conformability to surfaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabrasive performanceVSAvoidconformability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The abrasive coating is applied in a dynamic process where the flexible base member can deform during application and use. The coating thickness is controlled to provide adequate abrasive performance while the flexible nature of the base member allows the coating to conform to irregular surfaces through elastic deformation, achieving both good coverage and conformability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 structured abrasive article achieves excellent contact with objects having irregular or curved surfaces, maintaining stable abrasion performance even with repeated bending and extension, and prevents damage to the abrasion surface, ensuring effective and durable use.

Implementation Method 1

a resin layer (13) that binds the extensible base member (11) and the three-dimensional element (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

an extensible base member (11), and a three-dimensional element (12) including abrasive particles and binder therefore

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2723531B1Structured abrasive articles and method of manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • EP2723531B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2723531B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3d
  • EP2723531B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A structured abrasive article having an extensible base member; a three-dimensional element including abrasive particles and binder therefore; and a resin layer that binds the extensible base member and the three-dimensional element.