Reusable Finishing Tool Base with Replaceable Abrasive Component
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing finishing tools for surface machining of slab-like elements are costly due to the need for complete replacement after the abrasive surface wears out, and they contribute to environmental waste as the components are not recyclable.
Innovation Solution
A finishing tool with a reusable base and a releasably connected abrasive component, allowing for the replacement of the abrasive component while reusing the base, and providing means for selective disposal and recycling of worn-out components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the finishing tool is made enbloc with the abrasive component firmly glued to the base, then the tool has stable connection and reliable performance during operation, but the entire tool must be replaced when the abrasive surface wears out, increasing disposal costs and environmental impact
Solution Approach 1:
The finishing tool is divided into separate components: a reusable base and a consumable abrasive component. The base includes a support member and an elastic member, while the abrasive component can be replaced independently when worn. This segmentation allows the expensive base to be reused multiple times while only the abrasive surface is disposed of, reducing overall material loss and disposal costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables selective disposal of only the worn abrasive component while recovering and reusing the base. The base, being made of durable materials, can be reused for many machining cycles, while the abrasive component is discarded after its useful life. This approach minimizes waste and reduces disposal costs compared to replacing the entire enbloc tool.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the base is formed by thermoplastic material and intermediate elastic layer bound together definitively, then the tool has stable structural connection, but the components cannot be separated for recycling, increasing disposal costs and environmental impact
Solution Approach 1:
The base is segmented into distinct components: a support member made of thermoplastic material and an intermediate elastic layer made of vulcanized rubber. These components are connected through a reversible bonding process that allows them to be separated for recycling. The segmentation enables each component to be processed and disposed of or recycled independently according to its material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention facilitates selective disposal and recycling of the base components. The thermoplastic support member and vulcanized rubber elastic layer can be separated and processed according to their different material characteristics. This enables recovery of valuable materials and reduces environmental impact compared to disposing of the entire base as waste.
3Productivity
If multiple finishing tools are mounted on the support member, then the machining efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the tool system increases and disposal costs increase when tools wear out
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple finishing tools are implemented as separate, replaceable units mounted on the support member. Each tool can be independently replaced when worn, allowing the system to maintain high productivity while managing complexity through modular design. The segmented structure enables efficient use of multiple tools during machining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular tool design allows selective replacement of worn finishing tools while retaining the support member and other functional tools. This extends the overall system life and reduces disposal costs compared to replacing the entire tool assembly when one or more tools wear out.
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
This solution reduces disposal and replacement costs by reusing the base and allows for partial recyclability of the tool, thereby minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate elastic layer, made of vulcanized rubber and configured to give elasticity to the finishing tool. This intermediate elastic layer is necessary to guarantee the finishing tool has a certain elasticity, which gives it the possibility of having minimal movements, for example in reaction to the force that is generated when it exerts the abrading action
Implementation Method 2
a finishing tool for surface machining slab-like elements. In particular, the finishing tool is provided with an abrasive surface to perform smoothing, lapping and surface finish machining of slab-like elements
Data Source
AI summary
Finishing tool (10) for surface machining slab-like elements. The finishing tool (10) comprises a reusable base (12) and an abrasive component (14) releasably connected to said base (12) in order to be selectively replaced, wherein said abrasive component (14) is provided with an abrasive surface to perform smoothing, lapping and surface finish machining of slab-like elements, for example made of stone material, marble, granite, or ceramic, grès porcelain stoneware or suchlike, or similar materials.