Single-Layer Non-Woven Abrasive Article with Extended Life

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing abrasive articles have limitations in useful life and performance, particularly in achieving optimal surface characteristics and material removal efficiency across various industrial applications.

Innovation Solution

A single-layer non-woven abrasive article comprising a blend of staple fibers with different linear densities, bound with a polymeric binder and abrasive particles, which is densified through processes like needle punching or hydroentangling, and compressed to enhance durability and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If conventional abrasive articles are used, then material removal is achieved, but useful life is limited and performance is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuseful lifeVSAvoidmaterial removal efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The abrasive article uses a composite structure combining a nonwoven substrate made of thermoplastic fibers with abrasive particles embedded within and bound to the substrate. This composite material approach allows the abrasive particles to remain exposed and effective for material removal while the fiber matrix provides structural support and extends service life through controlled fiber breakdown and particle replenishment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameters such as fiber linear density distribution (blend of fine and coarse fibers), compression ratio (10-90%), and abrasive particle concentration to optimize both productivity and duration. By controlling these parameters, the article achieves extended useful life while maintaining effective material removal rates across different stages of its service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If abrasive particles are bound to a nonwoven web, then durability is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nonwoven substrate exhibits local quality variations through the use of fibers with different linear densities. Coarser fibers provide structural backbone and durability, while finer fibers fill spaces and bind abrasive particles. This local differentiation of fiber properties enhances durability without requiring complex multi-layer structures or additional binding components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 abrasive article demonstrates improved cut rate and extended lifespan, with a G-ratio of at least 10, significantly outperforming commercial products in material removal efficiency and durability across aluminum and stainless steel surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

The non-woven web includes staple fibers and a binder. The non-woven web contains abrasive particles, which are bound to the non-woven web

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the method includes curing the saturated abrasive web during the compressing to form an abrasive article

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCuring: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP2726658B1Non-woven abrasive article with extended life
Publication Date: 2018.12.12 SAINT GOBAIN ABRASIVES INC
  • EP2726658B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2726658B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP2726658B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Abrasive articles including a non-woven web of staple fibers that form a single layer that is free of any additional layers of non- woven webs of staple fibers. The abrasive articles contain abrasive particles bound to the non-woven web. The abrasive articles can be compressed abrasive articles that include a non-woven web of staple fibers, including blends of staple fibers having a first portion of fibers having a first linear density and a second portion of fibers having a second linear density.