Floating Grinding Ring for Edge Trimming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for processing the edges of plate-shaped workpieces, such as glass panes, face challenges in achieving precise trimming and polishing when the edges deviate from the desired shape or position, requiring complex mechanical adjustments and often resulting in uneven over- and under-cuts.
Innovation Solution
A device with a slip ring having adjustable grinding surfaces that can move freely along a carrier, utilizing a hydrostatic or gas bearing for elastic resilience, allowing the grinding surfaces to automatically follow the edges of the workpiece regardless of deviations in shape or position, and incorporating springs for returning to a starting position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If rigid grinding wheels with V-profile are used, then the device structure is simple, but manufacturing precision deteriorates when workpiece edges deviate from specified position or shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the grinding wheel axially displaceable relative to the drive shaft through a floating bearing. This allows the grinding wheel to dynamically adjust its position along the axis to follow the actual contour of the workpiece edge, even when it deviates from the specified position or shape, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a hydrostatic bearing (pneumatic/hydraulic principle) to support the grinding wheel on the drive shaft. This bearing enables the grinding wheel to float and move freely in the axial direction while being supported, allowing automatic adaptation to edge deviations without complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If sanding belts are used, then adaptability to edge deviations improves, but device complexity increases due to flexible adherence requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flexibility requirement from the grinding wheel itself rather than using flexible sanding belts. By making the rigid grinding wheel axially displaceable on the drive shaft, the system achieves adaptability to edge deviations without needing flexible materials or complex mechanical adherence mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The floating bearing acts as an intermediary between the rigid grinding wheel and the drive shaft, enabling axial movement that allows the grinding wheel to follow edge deviations while maintaining the simplicity of a rigid wheel structure
3Device complexity
If grinding wheels are rigidly connected to the carrier, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to follow edge contours deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by transitioning from a rigid connection to a dynamic, axially displaceable connection between the grinding wheel and the drive shaft. The floating bearing enables the grinding wheel to move axially to follow the workpiece edge contour while maintaining rotational drive, achieving both simplicity and edge-following capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the grinding wheel along the axial direction by allowing it to displace on the drive shaft. This parameter change enables the grinding wheel to adapt to variations in edge position and contour while maintaining a simple mounting structure without rigid constraints
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 ensures consistent seam quality, improves processing accuracy for edges that are not at right angles, and allows for easy adaptation to different geometries, maintaining seam quality even with over and under breaks, and can be integrated into existing machines.
Implementation Method 1
The slip ring with the grinding surfaces is supported on the carrier, in particular by means of a hydrostatic bearing or a gas bearing
Implementation Method 2
The slip ring with the grinding surfaces is supported on the carrier, in particular by means of a hydrostatic bearing or a gas bearing
Implementation Method 3
which is returned into a starting position by means of a spring
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
In a device (1) for trimming panel-type workpieces (8), such as glass panes, a grinding ring (25) is used which is caused to rotate about an axis (2) by a drive. The grinding surfaces (7), engaging in a material-removing manner on the edges (9) of the border (10) of the workpiece (8), are designed such that they move in the axial direction, so that they can follow the edges (9) of the workpiece (8) during trimming. The grinding surfaces (7) automatically rest on the edges (9) of the workpiece (8) to be trimmed, even when the edges (9) are not in the predefined target position. The grinding ring (25) is floatingly mounted on its carrier (12) via a hydrostatic bearing or a gas bearing.