Sanding Pad Movable Annular Element for Abrasive Disc Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sanding pads for sanding machines face issues with impractical abrasive disc replacement and poor sealing due to the use of Velcro systems, which are also expensive and lead to uneven clamping forces during sanding processes, especially in dusty environments like wood sanding.

Innovation Solution

A sanding pad design featuring a movable annular element with elastic means, such as springs, that allows for quick and easy replacement of the abrasive disc by transitioning between unlocking and locking positions, ensuring uniform sealing and clamping force through a toothed engagement system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If Velcro systems are used to fix the abrasive disc, then easy replacement of the abrasive disc is achieved, but sealing problems occur during processing due to high dustiness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabrasive disc replacementVSAvoidsealing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing system is segmented into a plate element with locking elements and a separate annular element that can be independently manipulated. This allows the abrasive disc to be secured with reliable sealing while maintaining ease of replacement through the movable annular element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The annular element is made movable relative to the plate element, transitioning between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic mechanism enables quick replacement operations while maintaining secure sealing during sanding operations when locked.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If Velcro systems are used to fix the abrasive disc, then easy replacement is achieved, but the abrasive disc becomes more expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabrasive disc replacementVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces expensive Velcro systems with a simple mechanical locking mechanism using basic elements like locking elements, elastic elements, and an annular clamp. These components are cheaper to manufacture and replace than Velcro systems while achieving the same ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Strength

If magnets are used to fix the fixing ring, then the abrasive disc can be held, but the clamping force is punctual and sealing uniformity is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidsealing uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of uniform magnetic force distribution, the invention uses localized elastic elements (springs) that apply distributed clamping force through the annular element. This creates uniform pressure across the entire sealing interface, improving sealing uniformity while maintaining adequate clamping force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If the fixing ring is completely disassembled for abrasive disc replacement, then the abrasive disc can be replaced, but the replacement operations become slow and impractical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabrasive disc replacementVSAvoidreplacement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing system is divided into a stationary plate element and a movable annular element. Only the annular element needs to be moved for replacement, not the entire fixing system. This segmentation enables quick replacement operations while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The annular element is designed to be movable between locked and unlocked positions without requiring complete disassembly. This dynamic design allows operators to quickly replace abrasive discs by simply moving the annular element, significantly improving replacement speed and practicality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enables rapid and practical abrasive disc replacement without disassembly, providing perfect sealing uniformity and cost-effectiveness by maintaining the annular element's coupling with the sanding pad, ensuring consistent clamping force and improved operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

elastic means for coupling between said annular element and said main plate to hold said annular element in said blocking position of said abrasive disc

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

said elastic means may include at least one spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3711902B1Sanding pad and sanding machine comprising said sanding pad
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 SCM GRP
  • EP3711902B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3711902B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3711902B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a sanding pad (P) for a sanding unit (G), for sanding wood, plastic, metal and similar surfaces, comprising a rotating body (1) having a rotating driven shaft (11) and a main plate (12) coupled with said shaft (11), said main plate (12) having a first (121) and a second (122) face and a lateral surface (123), an abrasive disc (2) arranged on said first face (121) of said main plate (12), so as to carry out a sanding operation when said shaft (11) is opereated in rotation, and an annular element (3) for the perimeter blocking of said abrasive disc (2), characterized in that said annular element (3) is coupled with said main plate (12) so as to be movable between an unlocking position of said abrasive disc (2) and a blocking position of said abrasive disc (2). The present invention also relates to a sanding machine (M) comprising at least one sanding unit (G).