Rotating Removal Member for Abrasive Element Detachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for automatically removing abrasive elements from machines used for surface finishing, such as sanding or grinding, are ineffective when the abrasive element and/or the backing pad are made of soft materials or when the backing pad can rotate freely, as they fail to ensure a secure detachment due to material pliability or lack of fixation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a removal group featuring removal members that rotate about a predetermined axis, positioned at a starting inclination to disengage engagement members from the abrasive element, and a barrier member to prevent re-engagement, along with a stretching member to prevent folding, ensuring effective removal even from soft materials and rotating backing pads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a sharp edge removal device is used to detach the abrasive element from the backing pad, then the removal action can be automated, but the device becomes ineffective when the abrasive element and/or backing pad are made of soft materials that buckle under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The removal member rotates about an axis to dynamically engage and detach the abrasive element, transforming from a static sharp edge approach to a dynamic rotational mechanism that can accommodate soft materials without causing buckling
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a linear sharp edge contact to a rotational motion in a different dimensional approach, where the removal surface engages the abrasive element peripherally during rotation, avoiding concentrated pressure points that cause buckling
2Adaptability or versatility
If the backing pad is free to rotate with respect to the working head, then the machine has greater flexibility, but the removal device cannot maintain a fixed position to effectively detach the abrasive element
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating backing pad serves itself during removal - its own rotation is utilized to bring the abrasive element into contact with the removal member, eliminating the need for the removal device to maintain a fixed position against a rotating pad
3Device complexity
If hand replacement of the abrasive element is used, then the machine structure can be simpler, but time is lost and there is risk of incorrect positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automated detection and removal - the detection device automatically verifies abrasive element presence and the removal member automatically detaches it, eliminating manual intervention and ensuring consistent positioning without adding excessive complexity
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
The apparatus enables quick and accurate removal of abrasive elements from machines, maintaining productivity and preventing misalignment, even when the support body or backing pad is made of soft materials or rotates freely during the removal process.
Implementation Method 1
a removal member (75) configured to rotate about a rotation axis (175) in a predetermined direction of rotation... provided with a removal surface (76) configured to cause said first and second engagement members to move from said engagement configuration to the disengagement configuration
Implementation Method 2
the removal surface (76) configured to cause said first and second engagement members to move from said engagement configuration to the disengagement configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for removing an abrasive element having a perimeter edge delimiting an abrasive surface in a machine for finishing surfaces comprising a support body for removably engaging the abrasive element. The support body and the abrasive element are, respectively, provided, at respective engagement surfaces of first and second engagement members configured to move, from an engagement configuration to a disengagement configuration, and vice versa. A displacement device is, furthermore, provided to move the support body in the space according to at least 1 degree of freedom. A removal group is, furthermore, provided comprising at least a removal member adapted to rotate about a rotation axis and provided with a removal surface. This is adapted to engage the second engagement members to cause the first and second engagement members to move from the engagement configuration to the disengagement configuration.