Magnetizable Abrasive Wheel with Radial Orientation Gradient

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bonded abrasive wheels are limited in their ability to maintain effective abrading performance across multiple angles of use, as the orientation of abrasive particles significantly affects cutting efficiency and fracture mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The use of magnetizable abrasive particles aligned by a magnetic field during the manufacturing process of bonded abrasive wheels, allowing for variable orientation within the wheel to enhance performance at various angles of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If abrasive particles are aligned in a fixed orientation during manufacturing, then cutting efficiency is improved for a specific angle of use, but abrading performance deteriorates when used at different angles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting efficiencyVSAvoidperformance at multiple angles
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different abrasive particle orientations in different regions of the wheel. The central portion contains particles aligned at less than 35 degrees to the rotational axis, while the outer circumference contains particles aligned at 35 to 90 degrees. This regional differentiation allows the wheel to maintain effective cutting performance across multiple angles of use, as different regions engage the workpiece at different orientations depending on the application angle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-dimensional alignment (uniform orientation) to a multi-dimensional alignment system. By varying the orientation angles of abrasive particles across different radial positions in the wheel, the invention creates a gradient distribution that accommodates multiple working angles. This dimensional approach to particle orientation enables the wheel to effectively handle both straight grinding and off-angle applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If abrasive particles are oriented with ends presenting to the working surface, then cut and breakdown are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to alignment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecut and breakdownVSAvoidalignment process
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with a magnetic field-based alignment process. During manufacturing, a magnetic field is applied to the abrasive particles in the binder mixture, causing magnetizable rod-shaped particles to self-align in desired orientations. This substitution of magnetic field control for mechanical alignment significantly reduces manufacturing complexity while achieving the required particle orientation for optimal cut and breakdown.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetizable abrasive particles self-align in response to the applied magnetic field during manufacturing. The particles automatically orient themselves according to the magnetic field lines, eliminating the need for complex external alignment mechanisms. This self-service alignment property simplifies the manufacturing process while ensuring proper particle orientation for improved cutting performance.

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

This approach results in improved abrading performance by ensuring that abrasive particles are optimally aligned for effective cutting and reduced wear, regardless of the angle of use, thereby enhancing the versatility and efficiency of the bonded abrasive wheels.

Implementation Method 1

the magnetizable abrasive particles adjacent to the central hub are aligned at an average angle of less than 35 degrees with respect to the rotational axis, and wherein the magnetizable abrasive particles adjacent to the outer circumference of the bonded abrasive wheel are aligned at an average angle that is from 35 and 90 degrees, inclusive, with respect to the rotational axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field alignment: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3532250B1Bonded abrasive wheel and method of making the same
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • EP3532250B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP3532250B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3532250B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A bonded abrasive wheel comprises magnetizable abrasive particles retained in an organic binder. The bonded abrasive wheel has a central portion adjacent to a central hub, an outer circumference and a rotational axis extending through the central hub. The magnetizable abrasive particles adjacent to the central hub are aligned at an average angle of less than 35 degrees with respect to the rotational axis, and the magnetizable abrasive particles adjacent to the outer circumference of the bonded abrasive wheel are aligned at an average angle that is from 35 and 90 degrees, inclusive, with respect to the rotational axis. Methods of making a bonded abrasive wheel are also disclosed.