Grinding Unit With Rotating Arms And Angular Locking For Cutting Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting machines for processing rolls of tissue paper and similar products require manual intervention to reset grinding wheels, posing safety risks and inefficiencies due to the need for experienced operators to access sharp cutting blades during blade replacement and wear management.
Innovation Solution
A grinding unit with a slide mechanism and rotating arms carrying grinding wheels that automatically position and lock into place using angular locking members and gravity, allowing for safer and more efficient replacement and operation of disc-shaped cutting blades, potentially incorporating pneumatic or hydraulic actuators for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual resetting of grinding wheels is implemented, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but operator safety is compromised and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic zero-resetting of grinding wheels without human intervention. The microprocessor-controlled mechanism autonomously positions the grinding wheels relative to the cutting blade, eliminating the need for operators to manually access dangerous areas while maintaining precise positioning through automated sensing and actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
A microprocessor-based control system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the grinding wheel positioning mechanism. The controller receives inputs, processes positioning data, and actuates the grinding wheels through intermediate mechanical components, thereby isolating the operator from direct exposure to sharp cutting edges while achieving accurate positioning.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If automatic zero-resetting systems are implemented, then operator safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor-based controller serves multiple functions: it controls grinding wheel positioning, manages the resetting sequence, monitors system status, and coordinates actuator operations. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be multiple separate control systems into a single integrated unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automatic safety features.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the positioning mechanism, sensing elements, actuators, and control logic into an integrated grinding unit assembly. By merging these components into a cohesive system rather than separate independent mechanisms, the patent reduces the complexity that would arise from coordinating multiple discrete systems while preserving automatic zero-resetting capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If experienced staff perform manual resetting, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases due to safety precautions and operational time
Solution Approach 1:
The system autonomously performs the zero-resetting operation without requiring experienced operators to manually intervene. The automated mechanism rapidly positions grinding wheels with precision comparable to or exceeding manual operation, eliminating downtime associated with careful manual setup and significantly improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs preliminary positioning and calibration of grinding wheels before actual grinding operations begin. This preliminary action is executed rapidly and accurately by the automated mechanism, eliminating the time-consuming manual setup that would otherwise be required to prepare the grinding unit for operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If grinding wheels are manually positioned, then cost is reduced, but reliability decreases due to human error and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor-based system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the position and status of grinding wheels throughout the resetting process. This feedback ensures accurate positioning and detects any anomalies, thereby improving reliability by eliminating human error while maintaining cost-effectiveness through automated precision rather than requiring expensive specialized manual labor.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system performs self-positioning and self-validation of grinding wheel placement, ensuring consistent and reliable operation without human intervention. This self-service capability eliminates variability introduced by different operators and ensures that the same precise positioning is achieved every time, thereby improving operational reliability.
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
The solution simplifies the replacement process, reduces operator risk, and improves the reliability and cost-effectiveness of cutting machine operations by automating the positioning of grinding wheels, enabling easier maintenance and extended machine uptime.
Implementation Method 1
the arms and the grinding wheels are so mounted on the slide that, when the arm is not locked by the angular locking members, the gravity causes a rotation of the arm until the respective grinding wheel contacts the corresponding flank of the cutting edge
Data Source
AI summary
The grinding unit includes a slide provided with a movement towards and away from the disc-shaped cutting blade. On the slide, at least a first grinding wheel and a second grinding wheel are arranged so as to act on a first flank and on a second flank of a cutting edge of the disc-shaped cutting blade. The first grinding wheel and the second grinding wheel are respectively carried by a first arm and by a second arm that are mounted so as to rotate around a respective rotation axis with respect to the slide (115) in order to move towards and away from the disc-shaped cutting blade. The first arm and the second arm are associated with angular locking members adapted to lock the first arm and the second arm in a respective operative angular position with respect to the slide.