3D Ice Blade Measurement and Grinding for Repeatable Sharpening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ice blade sharpening and shaping systems lack precision and customization, relying on trial and error methods, with users having limited feedback on the effectiveness of changes, leading to inconsistent performance and difficulty in replicating optimal blade configurations.
Innovation Solution
An automated ice blade measuring and grinding system that uses a non-contact measuring device to create a 3D dataset of the ice blade's shape, allowing for precise measurement and customization of the blade's shape based on user input and stored models, with a grinding device that adjusts the shape according to selected options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manually-operating grinding machines or automatic grinding machines with fixed jigs are used, then ice blade shaping can be accomplished, but the process lacks precision and customization capability
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed jigs to a dynamic measurement and control system. A sensor array continuously measures the ice blade geometry during grinding, and the control system dynamically adjusts grinding parameters based on real-time feedback, enabling both high precision and customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where sensors measure the ice blade shape before, during, and after grinding. This measurement data is fed back to the control system, which automatically adjusts grinding operations to achieve the desired shape, eliminating trial-and-error methods.
Solution Approach 3:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated system combining optical/sensor-based measurement and computer-controlled grinding. This substitution enables precise digital measurement and control, replacing imprecise manual techniques with automated, repeatable processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If trial and error methods are used for ice blade sharpening, then users can attempt to optimize performance, but the process is time-consuming and lacks consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement and analysis of the ice blade geometry before grinding begins. The control system pre-calculates the optimal grinding path and parameters based on the measured shape and desired target geometry, eliminating time-consuming trial and error during the actual sharpening process.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback from sensors during grinding allows the system to automatically adjust operations to stay on the optimal path, ensuring consistent results without requiring multiple trial passes. The feedback loop continuously verifies that the blade is being shaped according to the predetermined optimal geometry.
3Ease of operation
If fixed jigs and templates are used for ice blade shaping, then the process is simplified, but the ability to replicate optimal configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy or model of the desired ice blade geometry and uses this virtual template as the target for grinding. Sensors continuously compare the actual blade shape against this digital model, ensuring accurate replication of optimal configurations. The digital copy can be stored and reused for consistent replication across different blades and sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical fixed jigs and templates with a digital measurement and control system. This substitution allows for more flexible and accurate replication of blade geometries, as digital models can be precisely stored, transmitted, and referenced without the limitations of physical fixtures.
4Measurement precision
If manual sharpening processes are used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and customization are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple manual tools with an automated system integrating sensors, computers, and controlled grinding mechanisms. This substitution enables high-precision measurement and control capabilities that would be impossible with manual methods, accepting increased system complexity as necessary for achieving the desired measurement accuracy and customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-measurement and self-adjustment, with sensors automatically monitoring blade geometry and the control system making real-time corrections without human intervention. This automation handles the complexity internally, allowing users to benefit from high precision without directly managing the complex measurement and control processes.
Data Source
AI summary
An ice blade measuring system having a holder, a non-contact measuring device, and a data storage means is disclosed. The holder holds the ice blade in a measurement position. The non-contact measuring device being operationally positioned relative to the holder to measure at least a three-dimensional (3D) shape of an ice contacting surface of an ice blade held in the holder. The non-contact measuring device being configured to create a dataset which corresponds to the 3D shape. The data storage means being operatively connected to the non-contact measuring device to record the measured dataset.