Removable Abrasive Assembly for Fast Ceramic Tool Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing abrasive assemblies require the supporting body to be removed from the rotating head for tool replacement, leading to downtime and high production costs due to tight machining tolerances and uncomfortable tool insertion.

Innovation Solution

An abrasive assembly with removable fastening means, including fastening elements and clamping means, allows tools to be easily mounted and replaced without detaching the supporting body from the rotating head, using centering means for precise alignment and a fastening ring nut for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the supporting body is removed from the rotating head for tool replacement, then the abrasive tools can be replaced, but production downtime increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool replacementVSAvoidproduction output
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The abrasive tool is segmented into a modular design with a separate mounting portion that can be independently replaced. The tool body and mounting portion are distinct components that allow the mounting portion to be swapped without removing the entire supporting body from the rotating head, thus maintaining productivity while enabling easy tool replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting portion of the abrasive tool is designed to nest within the seat on the supporting body. The coupling walls of the mounting portion fit into corresponding recesses in the seat, creating a nested configuration that secures the tool in place while allowing quick replacement without disassembling the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the seat is designed with double dovetail conformation for secure clamping, then tool holding stability improves, but machining tolerances must be tight and insertion becomes uncomfortable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool clamping stabilityVSAvoidmachining tolerances
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling walls of the mounting portion are designed with asymmetric inclination angles that differ from the seat's dovetail angles. This asymmetric design allows the tool to be inserted with minimal friction and discomfort while still achieving secure clamping through the clamping elements, eliminating the need for tight machining tolerances between the tool and seat.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

Clamping elements are introduced as intermediary components between the mounting portion and the seat. These clamping elements engage with both the coupling walls of the mounting portion and the corresponding features in the seat, providing secure tool holding without requiring precise geometric matching between the tool and seat, thus reducing machining tolerance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If the coupling walls have the same inclination as the dovetails, then secure clamping is achieved, but tool insertion becomes difficult and uncomfortable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidtool insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling walls of the mounting portion are designed with different inclination angles compared to the seat's dovetail configuration. This asymmetric design reduces friction during insertion, making tool mounting comfortable and easy, while the clamping elements provide the necessary strong clamping force to secure the tool firmly during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

Clamping elements serve as intermediaries that bridge the gap between the mounting portion and the seat. These elements can be adjusted or tightened to provide strong clamping force without requiring the coupling walls to have high-friction angles, thus enabling both easy insertion and secure holding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4659898A1Abrasive assembly for the surface machining of ceramic and/or stone manufactured articles
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 SITI B&T GROUP SPA
  • EP4659898A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4659898A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4659898A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The abrasive assembly (1) for the surface machining of ceramic and/or stone manufactured articles, comprises: - a supporting body (2) associable with a rotating head (30) of a machine tool and configured to rotate around a relevant axis of work (X), wherein the supporting body (2) defines a perimeter surface (3) substantially parallel to the axis of work (X); - a plurality of abrasive tools (8) associated with the supporting body (2) in a removable manner where the perimeter surface (3) is located; and comprises removable fastening means (9) of at least one of the abrasive tools (8) to the supporting body (2), wherein the fastening means (9) are distinct and separate from both the supporting body (2) and the abrasive tools (8).