Movable-Pin Specimen Holder for Versatile Grinding and Polishing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen holders for grinding and polishing machines are limited to specific geometries or require manual securing, making them time-consuming and less versatile for processing specimens of various shapes.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable specimen holder with movable pins projecting from a housing, held in place by a resilient member, allowing for versatile holding of specimens of different geometries by pressing them against a preparation surface and preventing sideways movement through a combination of pins pressing from above and surrounding the specimens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional specimen holders are designed for specific geometries or require manual securing, then they can securely hold specimens, but they are time-consuming and less versatile for processing specimens of various shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The specimen holder is segmented into multiple independent pins distributed across the housing face, each pin capable of independent movement and compression. This segmentation allows the holder to adapt to various specimen geometries while eliminating manual securing operations, as the pins automatically position and secure specimens through compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The pins are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust their positions based on specimen geometry. The resilient members enable the pins to move independently, providing adaptability for different specimen shapes while maintaining secure holding through elastic compression forces.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple pins are used to press specimens against the preparation surface, then consistent pressure is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple resilient members and pins are merged into a unified compression system where all pins work together simultaneously. The resilient members are integrated into the housing structure, creating a coordinated system that applies consistent pressure across all pins through collective compression when the specimen holder is lowered.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses uniform pin distribution and identical resilient member specifications to standardize the compression parameters. By controlling the compression distance and resilient member properties, consistent pressure is achieved across all pins, transforming individual pin variations into uniform collective action.
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
Enables efficient and secure holding of specimens of various shapes without manual intervention, ensuring consistent pressure and preventing movement during grinding and polishing processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least sixty-four pins having each a portion projecting from the housing face, the pins being individually movable into said housing against the biasing force of a resilient member arranged in the housing
Implementation Method 2
the resilient member is a respective compression spring acting on a corresponding one of the pins
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a grinding and/or polishing machine (1) with a rotatable specimen holder (20) and a rotatable disc (8) for supporting a preparation surface (6), the specimen holder (20) comprising a housing (25) having a housing face (40) oriented towards the rotatable disc (8) and at least sixty-four pins (30) having each a portion (36) projecting from the housing face (40), the pins (30) being individually movable into the housing (25) against the action of a resilient member (60) arranged in the housing (25).