Solid Paste Application System for Machining Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for applying solid pastes in surface processing, such as polishing and grinding, face inefficiencies including high material loss, frequent rod replacements, and environmental concerns due to the traditional rod-like forms of solid pastes, which limit automation and increase costs.

Innovation Solution

Softening the solid paste to a fluid-like consistency for continuous conveyance through a line system, using a pump unit and nozzle system to apply it to the processing tool, minimizing waste and extending processing time without frequent rod changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If solid paste is applied in traditional rod-like form, then application is simple, but material loss is high and automation is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation capabilityVSAvoidmaterial loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the solid paste from rigid rod-form to softened semi-fluid state by controlling temperature. This allows the paste to be pumped and sprayed through a line system, enabling automation while reducing material loss through precise application control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a pump unit and spray nozzle system to deliver the softened solid paste. This hydraulic/pneumatic delivery mechanism enables automated, controlled application to the polishing disc, replacing manual rod application and significantly reducing material waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If solid paste is softened for continuous supply, then automation is enhanced and material loss reduced, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous supply of solid paste to the polishing disc by maintaining it in a softened state through controlled heating and using a pump system. This eliminates interruptions for rod replacement and ensures continuous material application, significantly improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transition of the solid paste from solid to softened state through controlled heating. This phase change enables the paste to be pumped and sprayed continuously, improving productivity while the heating energy is optimized through controlled application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

3Duration of action of moving object

If solid paste is kept in rod form, then storage is simple, but frequent replacement is required and time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing timeVSAvoidrod replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous supply of solid paste through a pump and spray system that delivers softened paste directly to the polishing disc. This eliminates the need for frequent rod replacements and ensures uninterrupted processing, significantly reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Object-affected harmful factors

If solid paste is applied traditionally, then device complexity is low, but environmental impact increases due to material waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental impactVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a pump unit and spray nozzle system to deliver softened solid paste precisely to the polishing disc. This controlled delivery mechanism significantly reduces material waste and environmental impact, while the added system complexity is justified by the productivity and sustainability benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent controls the temperature parameter of the solid paste to maintain it in a softened state for precise pumpable application. This parameter control enables accurate material delivery, reducing waste and environmental impact, while the heating system adds controlled complexity to achieve sustainability goals.

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 approach reduces material loss, enhances automation, and allows for continuous supply of solid paste, improving processing efficiency and reducing environmental impact while maintaining the advantages of solid pastes over emulsions.

Implementation Method 1

at least a portion of the solid paste is softened by heating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3009232B2Method and device for the application of solid pastes for surface treatment, method and system for surface treatment and corresponding use
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 MENZERNA POLISHING COMPOUNDS GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3009232B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3009232B2 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP3009232B2 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for applying solid pastes for surface treatment to a machining tool (16), comprising the steps of providing a solid paste (46) for surface treatment containing abrasives, in particular a solid paste with a lipid-based carrier material to which abrasives are added, softening at least a subset of the solid paste (46) by supplying thermal energy, whereby a degree of mixing of the softened paste with the abrasives is substantially maintained, conveying the softened paste by means of a conveying device (50) designed for abrasive media to a metering device (56), and applying the softened paste to a machining tool (16) by means of the metering device (56), in particular applying it to a tool for surface treatment.The invention further relates to a method and a system for surface treatment of workpieces (14), a device (40) for applying solid pastes for surface treatment to a machining tool (16), and a use of a solid paste (46) for surface treatment.