Triangular Abrasive Platelets Spiral Orientation Grinding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Coated abrasive discs used for high-pressure off-hand grinding of high carbon steel lack improvements in cost, performance, and lifespan, with existing technologies not effectively optimizing the orientation and placement of triangular abrasive platelets for enhanced grinding efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A coated abrasive disc design featuring triangular abrasive platelets arranged in a specific spiral pattern with controlled Z-axis rotational orientations, where at least 70% of the platelets are oriented to face the disc backing at precise angles, enhancing the abrasive layer's effectiveness and longevity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If triangular abrasive platelets are arranged in random orientation, then manufacturing is simpler, but grinding performance and lifespan are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrinding performanceVSAvoidplatelet orientation control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by specifying precise Z-axis rotational orientation angles for triangular abrasive platelets in a spiral pattern. At least 70% of platelets are oriented with their longitudinal axis within 15 degrees of the tangent to the spiral pattern, creating optimal cutting angles that significantly improve grinding performance and lifespan compared to random orientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action through a controlled manufacturing process that pre-orients abrasive platelets during application. The platelets are positioned in specific orientations before curing, ensuring optimal cutting geometry is established in advance rather than relying on random placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If triangular abrasive platelets are arranged in spiral pattern with controlled orientation, then grinding efficiency and lifespan are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrinding efficiencyVSAvoidplatelet placement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spatial arrangement parameter by implementing a spiral pattern with specific mathematical relationships. The platelets are positioned at regularly spaced points along the spiral, with their longitudinal axes oriented within 15 degrees of the tangent to the spiral pattern, optimizing material removal rates while maintaining manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies curvature principles by using a spiral pattern instead of straight lines or circular patterns. The spiral configuration creates continuous variation in platelet orientation angles, optimizing cutting performance across the entire disc surface while improving grinding efficiency for high carbon steel applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Productivity

If high pressure is applied during off-hand grinding, then material removal rate increases, but abrasive disc lifespan decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial removal rateVSAvoidabrasive disc lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the cutting angle parameter by orienting platelet longitudinal axes within 15 degrees of the spiral tangent. This creates ideal cutting geometry that reduces blunt rubbing and promotes efficient material removal, allowing the disc to maintain high productivity while extending lifespan through reduced platelet degradation under pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares the abrasive surface in advance by pre-orienting all platelets to optimal cutting angles before use. This preliminary orientation ensures that when high pressure is applied during grinding, the platelets are already positioned to cut efficiently, preventing premature wear and extending disc lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 disc exhibits superior performance in high-pressure off-hand abrading of high carbon steel, with improved grinding efficiency and extended lifespan compared to previous designs, demonstrating enhanced cost-effectiveness and performance.

Implementation Method 1

triangular abrasive platelets secured to a major surface of the disc backing by at least one binder material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

frictionally contacting a portion of the abrasive layer of a coated abrasive disc with a substrate, and moving at least one of the substrate and the coated abrasive disc relative to the other to abrade the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentEP3713712B1Coated abrasive disc and methods of making and using the same
Publication Date: 2023.05.31 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • EP3713712B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3713712B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3713712B1 patent drawingFigure 1B

AI summary

A coated abrasive disc includes a disc backing having an outer circumference. An abrasive layer is disposed on the disc backing. The abrasive layer comprises triangular abrasive platelets secured to a major surface of the disc backing by at least one binder material. The triangular abrasive platelets are outwardly disposed at regularly-spaced points along a spiral pattern extending outwardly toward the outer circumference. Each triangular abrasive platelet has respective top and bottom surfaces connected to each other, and separated by, three sidewalls. On a respective basis, one sidewall of at least 90 percent of the triangular abrasive platelets is disposed facing and proximate to the disc backing, and at least 70 percent of the triangular abrasive platelets are disposed in a recurring sequential orientation having an oscillating Z-axis rotational orientation of the first respective sidewall relative to the tangents to the spiral pattern at regularly-spaced points. Methods of making and using the coated abrasive disc are also disclosed.