Vibratory Grinding Media Removal for Faster Workpiece Handling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibratory grinding devices require extended process times due to the need to manually remove grinding bodies from the work container, especially when dealing with sensitive or heavy components, which complicates the operation and increases throughput times.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a workpiece holder that secures the workpiece in a vibration-proof manner and a grinding body removal device that transfers grinding bodies into an intermediate store, enabling automated and efficient removal and reuse of grinding bodies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If workpieces are fixedly connected to the work container, then workpieces can be securely held during vibration, but the process time is extended due to manual removal of grinding bodies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece securingVSAvoidprocess time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The grinding body removal device extracts grinding bodies from the work container through a suction line connected to a vacuum source, separating the grinding body removal function from the workpiece holding function and enabling automated operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediate store is introduced as a mediator between the work container and the final destination of grinding bodies, allowing temporary storage and facilitating automated transfer without direct manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If grinding bodies are manually removed from the work container, then workpieces can be accessed, but automation is compromised and throughput times increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual operationVSAvoidthroughput time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The grinding body removal device operates autonomously using a vacuum source to suction grinding bodies through a suction line into an intermediate store, enabling the system to service itself without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical removal of grinding bodies is replaced by a vacuum-based pneumatic system that automatically transfers grinding bodies through a suction line to the intermediate store

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If grinding bodies remain in the work container, then continuous grinding can occur, but workpiece removal and container cleaning are complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous grindingVSAvoidworkpiece removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The grinding body removal device extracts all grinding bodies from the work container before workpiece removal, clearing the container and enabling easy workpiece access without manual digging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Grinding bodies are removed from the work container in advance before workpiece removal is needed, preparing the container for easy workpiece extraction and cleaning operations

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

Facilitates automated operation with reduced throughput times by allowing gentle and automated removal of sensitive grinding bodies, enhancing process efficiency and enabling continuous operation without manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

the grinding body removal device can have a vacuum source, in particular in the form of a side channel compressor. With such a vacuum source, the comparatively large and heavy, but sensitive grinding bodies can be gently sucked out of the work container and transferred into the intermediate store.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

the intermediate store can be configured as a centrifugal separator. The major advantage hereby results that the intermediate store is not only used as a store, but simultaneously serves as means to slow down the grinding bodies, which are accelerated on the sucking in, in a sufficient and damage-free manner.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation