Segmented Abrasive Disc Noise Reduction via Asymmetric Slits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional abrasive articles for cutting stone materials and concrete generate excessive noise during operation, particularly at high speeds, and existing noise-reducing technologies are ineffective in stabilizing noise levels across varying production and use conditions.

Innovation Solution

The abrasive article features a circular substrate with segments arranged circumferentially, including an outlet slot, a center slot connected to a noise-absorbing hole that protrudes in the rotating direction, with specific geometric ratios and orientations to minimize wind noise generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional abrasive articles are used for cutting stone materials and concrete, then cutting function is achieved, but excessive noise is generated during operation especially at high speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoidcutting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate is divided into multiple segments arranged circumferentially, with each segment separated by radial slits. This segmentation breaks the continuous rotating surface into discrete sections, reducing the generation of wind noise while maintaining cutting capability across each segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The slits are designed with asymmetric dimensions where the width in the rotational direction is larger than the width in the radial direction. This asymmetric geometry creates specific airflow patterns that reduce noise generation while preserving the structural integrity and cutting function of the abrasive article.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Object-affected harmful factors

If noise-reducing structures are added to abrasive articles, then noise levels decrease, but mechanical strength and tool reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The slits are strategically positioned at specific locations on the substrate, and the noise-absorbing holes are localized to particular regions. This local modification approach reduces noise in critical areas while preserving the overall mechanical strength and structural integrity of the abrasive article.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The noise reduction is achieved by adding a third dimension through noise-absorbing holes that extend into the substrate thickness direction. This vertical dimension allows noise absorption without compromising the horizontal structural strength needed for cutting operations.

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

3Object-affected harmful factors

If existing noise-reducing technologies are applied, then some noise reduction is achieved, but noise levels remain unstable under varying production and use conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoidnoise stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented structure with radial slits and noise-absorbing holes serves multiple functions simultaneously: it reduces wind noise, maintains structural integrity, ensures stable performance across varying operating conditions, and preserves cutting efficiency. This multi-functionality achieves stable noise reduction across different production and use scenarios.

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

The solution effectively reduces noise levels to acceptable limits during both cutting and idling operations, enhancing the mechanical strength and longevity of the abrasive article while ensuring efficient chip disposal and cooling water supply.

Implementation Method 1

an air vortex generated at the concave part and the convex part cancels out a large air vortex generated by the entire slit, which suppresses the intrinsic vibrational mode of a substrate and lowers wind noise generated during rotation of the cutting tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir vortex cancellation:

Implementation Method 2

prevents the generation of turbulence at the outer periphery of the circular hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence reduction: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentUS9427846B2Abrasive article
Publication Date: 2016.08.30 SAINT GOBAIN ABRASIVES INC
  • US9427846B2 patent drawing
  • US9427846B2 patent drawing
  • US9427846B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An abrasive article that may include a circular substrate with a plurality of segments arranged on the circumferential surface of the circular substrate. The abrasive article may also include an outlet slot defining an open space on a peripheral portion of the abrasive article between a first segment and a second segment, a center slot defining an open space in the circular substrate connected to the outlet slot, a noise absorbing hole connected to the center slot and protruding from the center slot in the rotating direction of the abrasive article, and a ratio (H+X)/CSD of at least about 0.01, where H represents a prescribed height of the noise absorbing hole, X represents a prescribed depth of the noise absorbing hole and CSD represents the diameter of the circular substrate.