Flexible Grinding Block with Adjustable Elements for Complex Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grinding tools struggle with adapting to complex and changing surface shapes, leading to difficult handling and potential damage to the object being treated, as they often require frequent attachment changes and do not effectively match the convex or concave curvatures of the surface.
Innovation Solution
A grinding block with a bendable base plate and adjustable grinding block elements that can be tilted relative to each other, equipped with adjustment means such as screws and a sealing element, allowing for precise adaptation to the surface structure and easy dust extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-shape grinding attachments are used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to complex and changing surface shapes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The grinding tool employs a flexible base plate that can dynamically change its shape to match complex and varying surface geometries. The base plate's flexibility allows it to conform to convex, concave, and irregular surfaces, while the adjustable grinding block elements can be tilted and positioned to maintain optimal grinding contact. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by enabling the tool to handle diverse surface shapes without requiring multiple fixed attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The grinding tool is divided into separable components: a flexible base plate and multiple independently adjustable grinding block elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the base plate for flexibility and conformability, while the grinding blocks for precise positioning and angle adjustment. The modular design maintains relative simplicity while achieving high adaptability through component coordination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple attachments are used to match different surface shapes, then the adaptability improves, but the handling becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring operators to physically swap between multiple fixed attachments, this invention allows dynamic adjustment of grinding block elements on a single flexible base plate. The adjustment means enable operators to tilt and reposition grinding blocks to match different surface geometries, eliminating the need for attachment changes and significantly improving handling ease while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible base plate combined with adjustable grinding block elements creates a universal grinding tool that can handle multiple surface shapes and geometries with a single attachment. The grinding blocks can be tilted and positioned to accommodate convex, concave, planar, and irregular surfaces, making one tool perform the function of multiple specialized attachments, thereby simplifying operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid grinding blocks are used, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the adaptability to complex curvatures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is designed with controlled flexibility that allows it to bend and conform to complex curvatures while the grinding block elements remain rigid for precise surface treatment. The flexibility is localized to the base plate's ability to change overall shape, while the grinding blocks maintain their rigidity to ensure consistent grinding pressure and surface finish, thus achieving both adaptability and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the flexibility function (base plate) from the precision grinding function (grinding blocks). The base plate's flexibility enables adaptation to complex curvatures, while the rigid grinding blocks maintain manufacturing precision through controlled positioning and tilting. This functional segmentation allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously without compromise.
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
Enables simplified handling of complex surfaces by allowing continuous adjustment to changing shapes, preserving the original surface structure and facilitating reproducible treatment while preventing deformation and dust accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
The adjusting means comprise at least one adjusting screw (5) with two threads, in particular with opposite directions of rotation, and at least two oppositely arranged mating threads
Implementation Method 2
a seal element (13) which encloses a cavity inside the grinding block at the transitions between the grinding block elements and the base plate to the environment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The grinding block (1) has base plate (3) for grinding and/or for holding grinding portion and two abrasive block elements (2). The base plate is configured flexible, and connected with abrasive block elements in a state movable relative to each other. An adjusting unit is provided to move or ascertain that abrasive block elements are movable relative to each other or movable relative to an edge region of the base plate. An independent claim is included for kit comprising grinding block.