Sanding Machine Thrust Element Orientation for Edge Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sanding machines for panels made of wood, metal, plastic, or the like suffer from low processing precision, particularly at the longitudinal edges of the panel, and require complex and expensive electronic control units to manage the timing of thrust element movements.

Innovation Solution

The sanding machine is designed with thrust elements distributed in a direction parallel to the panel's width, allowing for equal distances and time intervals between detection and movement, simplifying the control unit to calculate a single time interval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If thrust elements are distributed in a direction inclined at angles other than 0° relative to the panel width direction, then the sanding machine can cover a wider area of the panel, but the processing precision at longitudinal edges deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesanding coverage areaVSAvoidprocessing precision at longitudinal edges
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sanding device is divided into multiple independent thrust elements distributed along the conveyor belt direction. Each thrust element can be independently controlled to move between raised and lowered positions, allowing selective sanding of different panel regions while maintaining precision at longitudinal edges through coordinated segmentation of sanding actions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The thrust elements are arranged in a direction inclined at 45° relative to the panel width direction, introducing a diagonal sanding dimension that covers both longitudinal and transverse surfaces. This angular arrangement enables comprehensive panel coverage while the independent control of each thrust element compensates for precision requirements at specific edges

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

2Ease of operation

If contact rollers and thrust elements are distributed in different directions, then each component can be optimally positioned, but the electronic control unit becomes complicated and expensive due to multiple different time intervals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimal positioning of componentsVSAvoidelectronic control unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system merges the timing calculations for multiple thrust elements into a unified approach. Since all thrust elements are distributed in the same direction (inclined at 45°) rather than different directions, they share common timing characteristics, allowing the electronic control unit to use a standardized time interval calculation method for all elements, thereby reducing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the distribution parameter of thrust elements from being in different directions to being in the same inclined direction. This parameter change ensures that all thrust elements have identical geometric relationships with the panel, allowing the control system to use uniform timing parameters rather than multiple different time intervals, simplifying the electronic control unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration enhances processing precision, particularly at the longitudinal edges, and reduces the complexity and cost of the electronic control unit, making the sanding machine more economical and efficient.

Implementation Method 1

a sanding device, which is mounted above the support surface in order to sand an upper face of the panel. The sanding device comprises an abrasive belt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 2

define, together with the abrasive belt, a plurality of cooling channels, which are flown through by air suited to ensure the cooling of the abrasive belt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection cooling: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4035830B1Sanding machine for sanding/finishing panels made of wood, metal, plastic or the like
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 BIESSE SPA
  • EP4035830B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4035830B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4035830B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sanding machine for sanding/finishing panels (2) made of wood, metal, plastic or the like is provided with a feeding device (4) to feed at least one panel (2) in a first direction (5), with an abrasive belt (11) to sand a face (16) of the panel (2), and with a plurality of thrust elements (26) distributed inside the abrasive belt (11) in a second direction (9) transverse to the first direction (5); the abrasive belt (11) extending and being movable in a third direction (17), which is inclined at angles other than 0° relative to the first direction (5) and to the second direction (9).