Machining Tool Edge Zone Self-Sharpening via Bond Modification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for conditioning and sharpening honing stones and grinding tools are complex, requiring multiple process steps and various machines, making them time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method that modifies the edge zone of the tool's work surface to wear quickly, exposing the actual working surface, by changing the bond structure through thermal, chemical, or mechanical treatments, allowing for one-step shaping and eliminating the need for subsequent sharpening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional conditioning and sharpening methods are used, then the work surface can be properly prepared, but the process requires multiple complex steps and various machines, making it time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework surface preparation qualityVSAvoidnumber of process steps and machines
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate conditioning and sharpening operations into a single integrated process. The edge zone is modified to include both conditioning functions (bond removal) and sharpening functions (cutting grain exposure) in one treatment zone, eliminating the need for sequential operations on different machines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The edge zone is pre-modified during tool manufacturing to create a self-conditioning structure. The bond in the edge zone is weakened in advance through specific manufacturing processes, so that when the tool first contacts the workpiece, the edge zone automatically wears away to expose the cutting grains, eliminating the need for separate conditioning steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional conditioning methods are used, then the work surface can be shaped, but the process takes considerable time and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework surface shaping accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool's edge zone is designed to self-condition and self-sharpen during initial contact with the workpiece. The modified bond structure in the edge zone automatically wears away under operational conditions to expose the cutting grains, eliminating the need for time-consuming external conditioning processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The edge zone is pre-prepared during manufacturing with a weakened bond structure that will automatically remove itself during first use, rapidly exposing the working surface without requiring subsequent conditioning time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the edge zone structure is modified to wear quickly, then the actual working surface is exposed faster, but the bond structure must be significantly weakened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-sharpening speedVSAvoidbond strength in edge zone
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The bond structure is modified locally only in the edge zone, not throughout the entire tool. The edge zone has a weakened, porous, or differently structured bond that wears quickly, while the main body of the tool retains its full structural strength and intact bond-cuting grain composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The tool is divided into two functional zones: the edge zone with modified, weakened bond structure for rapid self-conditioning, and the main body with intact, strong bond structure for structural support and sustained cutting performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 method significantly reduces processing time and costs by enabling tools to self-sharpen quickly upon contact with a workpiece, simplifying the manufacturing process and eliminating the need for additional processing steps like cylindrical grinding.

Implementation Method 1

the focal point F of which is in the immediate vicinity of the surface (15) of the blank (20). The laser beam (21) heats and melts the bond material (4) in the edge zone (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

The laser beam (21) heats and melts the bond material (4) in the edge zone (3), thereby selectively removing the bond (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 3

which is to say that the focal point F of which is in the immediate vicinity of the surface (15) of the blank (20). The laser beam (21) heats and melts the bond material (4) in the edge zone (3), thereby selectively removing the bond (4). In this case, the use of ultrasonic vibration (18) can prove useful

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 4

the edge zone (3), the structure of which has been modified according to the invention, wears out very quickly as soon as it comes into contact with the workpiece to be machined

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWear: Wear

Data Source

PatentEP3195978B1Method for manufacturing tools for machining with a geometrically undefined cutter
Publication Date: 2018.03.07 DIATO GMBH
  • EP3195978B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3195978B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c
  • EP3195978B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A method is proposed which makes it possible to treat tools for machining with geometrically undefined cutting edges in such a way that the bond of the tool is locally altered in its structure, so that embrittlement occurs in the area of ​​the resulting edge zone and this edge zone wears down immediately after contact of the tool with the surface to be machined and exposes the underlying working surface.