Multi-Axis Surface Treatment Device for Complex Workpiece Polishing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vibratory finishing methods are limited in treating pieces that require individualized treatment, struggle with complex shapes and micro-details, and lack scientific control over the process, leading to inefficient and poorly controlled surface polishing.

Innovation Solution

A surface treatment device with a manipulation assembly allowing workpieces to move in four independent degrees of freedom within a treatment tank, controlled by a programmable system for precise movement and temperature regulation, enabling individualized treatment programs and improved accessibility for complex shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If pieces are treated in bulk using conventional vibratory finishing, then treatment efficiency is improved, but collision between pieces occurs which is harmful for certain applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment efficiencyVSAvoidcollision between pieces
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment process is segmented from bulk treatment to individual piece treatment. Each workpiece is mounted on a separate manipulation assembly that can be independently controlled, allowing pieces to be treated individually rather than in bulk, thus eliminating harmful collisions while maintaining treatment efficiency through automated multi-axis manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional vibratory finishing is used for complex shapes, then treatment coverage is limited, but accessibility to micro-details is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment coverageVSAvoidaccessibility to micro-details
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The manipulation assembly introduces dynamic multi-axis movement capabilities to the workpiece holder, allowing it to move along five independent axes. This dynamic positioning system enables the workpiece to be oriented and positioned precisely, improving accessibility to micro-details and complex surfaces that are difficult to reach with conventional fixed or simple vibratory methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds dimensional freedom by implementing five-axis manipulation, transforming the treatment approach from two-dimensional surface contact to three-dimensional multi-angle accessibility. This allows the abrasive mixture to reach complex shapes and micro-details from multiple directions and angles, significantly improving treatment coverage.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If individual piece treatment is implemented, then treatment precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment precisionVSAvoidmanipulation assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manipulation assembly is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can handle multiple workpieces simultaneously, each with independent five-axis control. This multi-functionality allows a single device to perform individualized treatment for multiple pieces with complex shapes, achieving high treatment precision without proportionally increasing overall device complexity through standardized modular components.

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

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 allows for superior quality surface treatment, enabling the processing of complex shapes and micro-details with increased efficiency and precision, reducing treatment time and human resource requirements while maintaining precise geometry.

Implementation Method 1

the workpiece holder can be set in vibratory motion with respect to the treatment tank in such a way as to put the workpiece in contact with the abrasive mixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

The friction thus obtained between the pieces to be treated and the abrasive mixture results in a more or less fine polishing of the surfaces of the immersed pieces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

The chemical-mechanical aspect of the method of 'conventional' vibratory finishing resides in the repeated multi-collisions of the media in the abrasive mixture on the surface of the treated pieces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCollision: Impact Force

Implementation Method 4

an abrasive in the form of a powder or paste, whose role is to increase the effect of the friction, and thus the effect of the abrasion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentEP3535093B1Surface treatment device and surface treatment method using such a device
Publication Date: 2022.03.16 RECOMATIC
  • EP3535093B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3535093B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3535093B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device (10) for surface treatment of one or more workpieces (20), comprising at least one treatment tank (50) for storing an abrasive mixture, and at least one manipulation assembly (30) with at least one workpiece holder (40) for holding the workpiece (20), in which the workpiece holder (40) can be displaced in relation to the treatment tank (50) in a way so as to put the workpiece (20) in contact with the abrasive mixture, and in which the workpiece holder (40) can be displaced in relation to the treatment tank (50) according to four degrees of freedom of movement. In addition, the present invention also relates to a surface treatment method using such a device.