Grinding Wheel Resonant Circuit Alignment for Wireless Data Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grinding systems face challenges in reliable and robust communication between the grinding wheel and the grinder due to harsh working conditions, including dust, noise, and mechanical stresses, which affect signal transmission quality.

Innovation Solution

A grinding system with a transceiver unit in the grinder and an electronic unit on the grinding wheel, featuring resonant circuits with aligned resonance frequencies and a signal processing module for amplitude modulation, allowing efficient electromagnetic coupling and data transmission during the grinding process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless communication (RFID) is used between grinding wheel and grinder, then communication can be established without cables, but signal transmission quality deteriorates due to dust, noise, and variable distance caused by wheel movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable-free communicationVSAvoidsignal transmission quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light-based communication channel) to transfer data between the grinding wheel and grinder. Optical fibers or light-guiding structures are used as mediators to convey information through the harsh grinding environment, where electromagnetic signals would be disrupted by dust and metal scraps. This intermediary approach allows cable-free operation while maintaining signal integrity through the use of optical rather than electromagnetic transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces electromagnetic signal transmission (RFID, radio waves) with optical transmission mechanisms. By substituting the electromagnetic field-based communication with light-based communication, the system overcomes the interference caused by conductive dust and metal particles in the grinding zone. The optical channel is immune to electromagnetic interference and can penetrate the harsh environment more effectively.

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

2Productivity

If resonant circuits are used for electromagnetic coupling, then data transmission efficiency improves, but maintaining alignment between circuits becomes difficult due to wheel movement and wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidalignment maintenance mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic alignment mechanisms that adapt to the movement and wear of the grinding wheel. The resonant circuits are designed with adjustable positioning systems that can dynamically compensate for changes in distance and orientation between the wheel and grinder. This may include motorized adjustment mechanisms, flexible mounting structures, or control systems that actively track and maintain optimal alignment despite wheel consumption and positional changes during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter adjustment capabilities to optimize electromagnetic coupling under varying conditions. The resonant circuits can adjust their operating frequency, impedance, or physical positioning parameters to maintain effective coupling as the grinding wheel wears down or moves. By dynamically changing these parameters, the system maintains high data transmission efficiency without requiring perfect static alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If electronic devices are integrated in the grinding wheel to monitor temperature and operation, then information exchange capability improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation information exchangeVSAvoidelectronic integration in grinding wheel
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the electronic unit integrated in the grinding wheel to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The same sensor system and communication interface used for temperature monitoring are also employed for identifying the wheel type, tracking usage parameters, and enabling data exchange with the grinder control system. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maximizing information exchange capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The grinding wheel's electronic unit is designed to autonomously collect, process, and transmit its own operational data without requiring external monitoring systems. The wheel self-monitors its temperature, rotation speed, and usage parameters, and automatically communicates this information to the grinder control unit. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate sensors and communication devices on the grinder side, reducing overall system complexity while improving information exchange.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Ensures reliable and robust communication between the grinding wheel and the grinder, maintaining alignment of resonant circuits to compensate for wear and ensuring high electromagnetic coupling, enabling effective data exchange and control of the grinding process.

Implementation Method 1

The transceiver unit is located in the grinder so as to be separated from the abrasive grinding wheel and comprises at least one resonant circuit, while the electronic unit of the grinding wheel comprises a further resonant circuit having a resonance frequency equal to or close to the resonance frequency of the at least one resonant circuit of the transceiver unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3608058B1Grinding system comprising a grinding wheel and a grinder with movable data transceiver system
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 MOLE ABRASIVI ERMOLI SRL
  • EP3608058B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3608058B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3608058B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention concerns a grinding system, comprising a grinding wheel and a grinder. The grinder (30) comprising an actuating arm (30) adapted to receive an abrasive grinding wheel (1), an actuator (33) coupled to the actuating arm (31) to rotatably drive or translate it along a driving axis, and a transceiver unit (39) adapted to receive and transmit electromagnetic signals. The abrasive grinding wheel (1) is fixed to the actuating arm (31) of the grinding machine (30), the grinding wheel (1) comprising a body (10) which has at least one abrasive surface (13) intended to come into contact with a workpiece to be machined, and an electronic unit (20) coupled to the body (10). The transceiver unit (39) is located in the grinder (30) so as to be separated from the abrasive grinding wheel (1) and comprises at least one resonant circuit (391), while the electronic unit (20) of the grinding wheel (1) comprises a further resonant circuit (271) having a resonance frequency equal to or more or less 15% different from the resonance frequency of the at least one resonant circuit (391) of the transceiver unit (39). The grinder further comprises a movement means suitable for moving the transceiver unit (39) along an axis parallel to the driving axis of the actuating arm (31), so as to maintain the at least one resonance circuit (391) of the grinder and the further resonance circuit (271) of the grinding wheel (1) aligned during a translation of the actuating arm.