Segmented Grinding Pad Alignment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing belt grinder systems face challenges in maintaining effective alignment between segmented sanding pads and feeler elements at varying angles of inclination, particularly as the angle increases, leading to misalignment of segments with perpendicular feeler elements.

Innovation Solution

The use of a fixed stop, sliding segments, a guide axis, and a counter-pressure device, or alternative motor, electronic, or pneumatic devices to laterally shift segments and maintain alignment with feeler elements, allowing multiple segment sanding pads to operate at different positions while compensating for increased angle deviations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a segmented sanding pad is tilted at a larger angle, then the ability to handle complex surface geometries is improved, but the alignment between segments and feeler elements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle complex surface geometriesVSAvoidalignment between segments and feeler elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the sanding pad segments laterally displaceable relative to the feeler elements. The segments are mounted on laterally displaceable carriers that can move in the lateral direction, allowing the segments to dynamically adjust their position to maintain alignment with the feeler elements even when the pad is tilted at larger angles. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by enabling both large tilt angles for complex surfaces and precise alignment for measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If a lever device is used to laterally displace segments, then alignment compensation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment compensationVSAvoidmechanical arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the mechanics substitution principle by replacing the traditional lever device with a motor-driven lateral displacement mechanism. Instead of using mechanical levers to displace the segments laterally, the invention uses motors (electric or pneumatic) to drive the lateral movement of segments on their carriers. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving the precision of alignment compensation, as motorized control offers more precise and controllable displacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If feeler elements are repositioned laterally to match tilted segments, then alignment is improved, but the fixed row of feeler elements can only serve a single inclination angle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment between feeler elements and segmentsVSAvoidcompatibility with multiple inclination angles
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the inversion principle by reversing which component moves laterally. Instead of moving the feeler elements laterally to match the tilted segments (as in prior art), the invention moves the segments laterally on their carriers to maintain alignment with the fixed feeler elements. This inversion allows the fixed feeler element row to serve multiple inclination angles, as the segments can be laterally repositioned to compensate for different tilt angles while the feeler elements remain in their original positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP1901880B1Device for modifying the position of the segments in the event of the inclination of a segmented grinding pad
Publication Date: 2015.10.21 KUNDIG
  • EP1901880B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1901880B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1901880B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

When a segmented grinding pad (11, 12, 13) of a continuous belt grinding machine is inclined, the modified position of the row (15) of key elements in relation to the original, for example, right-angled position of the row (11) of segments presents a problem. The aim of the invention is to carry out an approximate comparison of the deviations created by the lateral displacement of the segments S1 ... Sn by means of a lever device (16) or a servomotor. The full compensation of the deviations of the segments from the longitudinal axis thereof to the key elements can be achieved by a special embodiment of one such device.