Automatic Grinding Disc Change With Floating Self-Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The automatic changing of sanding disks is complex and prone to damage due to precise positioning requirements, and existing solutions often necessitate multiple stations and precise alignment, which complicates the process and can lead to sanding disk damage.
Innovation Solution
A device with a stacking device and guide element that allows for eccentric mounting of sanding disks, enabling easy alignment and positioning of the tool head with a floating mounting system, reducing the need for precise central alignment and allowing for wobbling movements, along with a detaching device using a separating element to gently remove used sanding disks without moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If precise positioning and alignment are implemented for automatic sanding disk changing, then automation capability is improved, but device complexity and risk of disk damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sanding disk receptacle performs self-positioning through its own wobbling movement during approach to the stacking device. The floating mounting allows the receptacle to automatically find its correct position without requiring complex external positioning mechanisms, thereby achieving automation while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The floating mounting system transforms rigid fixed positioning into a dynamic adaptable connection. The mounting allows small movements and adjustments, enabling the receptacle to adapt its position automatically during the disk changing process, reducing the need for precise pre-positioning mechanisms
2Manufacturing precision
If precise central alignment is required for tool head positioning, then sanding disk alignment is improved, but positioning time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sanding disk receptacle uses its inherent wobbling movement to automatically locate and align with the correct position on the stacking device. This self-positioning mechanism eliminates the need for time-consuming precise alignment procedures while maintaining accurate disk placement
Solution Approach 2:
The floating mounting is pre-configured to allow small positional adjustments. This preliminary design feature enables the receptacle to automatically correct minor misalignments during the approach phase, reducing the time required for final precise positioning
3Extent of automation
If multiple stations are used for detaching, orienting, and loading sanding disks, then automation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines detaching, orienting, and loading operations into a single integrated stacking device. The sanding disk receptacle performs all these functions sequentially in one location by utilizing its wobbling movement and floating mounting, eliminating the need for separate stations and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The stacking device is designed as a multi-functional unit that can detach, orient, and load sanding disks. The sanding disk receptacle serves multiple purposes: it holds the disk, positions itself automatically, and interfaces with the stacking device for all operations, reducing the need for specialized components for each function
4Ease of operation
If floating mounting is used for positioning element and guide element, then ease of positioning is improved, but positioning precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The floating mounting provides different characteristics at different stages: during approach, it allows free movement for ease of positioning; during engagement, it provides sufficient constraint for adequate precision. The guide element's eccentric positioning creates a localized precision zone where the receptacle naturally settles into the correct position
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1) for automatically changing sanding discs (12) includes a stacking device (10) for a plurality of grinding discs (12) and a guide element (16) for orienting the suction openings (32) in the grinding discs (12) along a common central axis (18), wherein the guide element (16) is arranged eccentrically with regard to the central axis (18). A positioning element (17) is provided for positioning a tool head of a grinding device, wherein the positioning element (17) and the guide element (16) are mounted in a floating manner. A device (1) for automatically changing grinding discs (12) includes a detachment device (50), wherein the detachment device (50) has a bearing surface (51) for a grinding-disc receptacle. The bearing surface (51) has an opening (52), the diameter of which is greater than the diameter of the grinding disc (12). A separating element (53) is arranged above the opening (52). A system includes a device (1) for automatically changing grinding discs (12) containing a stacking device (10) and a detachment device (50).