System and Method for a Grinding Wheel

Abstract

A grinding wheel system and method for using the same. The grinding wheel can be utilized on steel and other materials. The grinding wheel has a planar portion, and a chamfer surface extending from said planar portion. The chamfer surface can include a cutting material, such as diamond particles. This provides for the steel to be ground, and the edges softened to the shape desired without utilizing disposable parts.

Claims

1. A system for a grinding wheel, said system comprising: a grinding wheel, wherein said grinding wheel comprises a planar portion and a chamfer surface extending upwardly from said planar portion; wherein said chamfer surface comprises a cutting material.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said chamfer surface and said planar portion comprise dissimilar materials.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said planar portion comprises carbide.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said grinding wheel comprises a coupler for coupling to equipment.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein said equipment comprises a grinder.

6. The system of claim 1 further comprising a work piece.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein said work piece comprises steel.

8. The system of claim 6 wherein said work piece has rounded corners, wherein said rounded corners have been rounded with said chamfer surface.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein said chamfer comprises a non-constant slope.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein said planar portion functions as an abrasive wheel, and wherein said chamfer functions to round corners of a work piece.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein said chamfer surface comprises diamonds atop the surface.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein the planar surface extends radially around the chamfer surface.

13. The system of claim 1 wherein the chamfer surface has a radius, and wherein the planar portion has a radius, and wherein the radius of the chamfer surface is less than the radius of the planar portion.

14. The system of claim 1 wherein said cutting material comprises diamond particles.

15. The system of claim 1 wherein said cutting material comprises tungsten carbide.

16. A combination grinding wheel comprising: a circular planar portion and a chamfer surface extending upwardly from said planar portion; wherein said circular planar portion functions as an abrasive wheel; wherein said chamfer functions as a chamfering tool; wherein said chamfer surface comprises diamond particles.

17. The combination grinding wheel of claim 12 wherein a single grinding wheel functions as two separate tools.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0005] FIG. 1 is a top view of a grinding wheel in one embodiment;

[0006] FIG. 2 is a side profile view of a grinding wheel in one embodiment;

[0007] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a grinding wheel in one embodiment;

[0008] FIG. 4 is a perspective of a grinding wheel coupled to equipment in one embodiment;

[0009] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a work piece in one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Several embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

[0011] Turning to FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 1 is a top view of a grinding wheel in one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side profile view of a grinding wheel in one embodiment.

[0012] FIGS. 1 and 2 show one embodiment of a grinding wheel. The shape and relative dimensions of the grinding wheel 100 in these figures is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting.

[0013] As shown the grinding wheel 100 is circular in shape so that it can be rotated. The grinding wheel 100 can be utilized on any equipment known in the art. In one embodiment the grinding wheel 100 can be coupled to machinery or equipment such as a grinder. In one embodiment the grinding wheel 100 comprises a coupler on the backside of the grinding wheel 100. Specifically, the coupler is located on the opposite side depicted in FIG. 1. The coupler allows the grinding wheel 100 to be coupled to machinery or equipment. In one embodiment the coupler comprises an attachment which allows the grinding wheel 100 to be coupled and de-coupled to equipment, such as a grinder. This can include any attaching device known in the art. It can include screws, bolts, and the like.

[0014] As shown, the grinding wheel 100 has a planar portion 101. The planar portion 101 can comprise virtually any material. This includes steel, carbide, etc. The planar portion 100 provides a surface on which to rest the piece to be ground, referred to as the working piece 104 (depicted in FIG. 5).

[0015] In some embodiments, the working piece 105 comprises steel. Grinding steel offers difficulties that are not present with other working pieces. The material used to grind the steel must be carefully selected.

[0016] In some embodiments the working piece 105 comprises undesirably sharp edges. Depending upon the environment in which the working piece will be utilized, these sharp edges must be reduced or eliminated. Ships, submarines, etc. are one example wherein the sharp edges must be removed for a variety of reasons. As ship, boats, submarines, etc. utilize steel, reducing these sharp edges can be difficult. Sharp edges provide an ideal location for rust, paint wearing, corrosion, etc. Thus, rounding or dulling these sharp edges is beneficial as it reduces the likelihood of corrosion, damage, etc. Additionally, sharp edges must often be reduced in welding environment.

[0017] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the grinding wheel 100 comprises a chamfer surface 102. As used herein the chamfer surface 102 is a surface which has a different shape and dimension than the planar portion 101. As shown, the chamfer surface 102 extends vertically outward from the planar portion 101 of the grinding wheel 100. Further, as shown, the planar surface 102 extends radially around the chamfer surface 102. Put differently, the chamfer surface 102 has a radius, as measured from the center of the grinding wheel, which is less than the radius of the planar portion 101.

[0018] It should be noted that while the term refers to a chamfer surface, this term, as used herein, refers to chamfers, and angles and shapes to shape whatever material is to be used on the work piece.

[0019] The chamfer surface 102 can have a constant or a non-constant slope. As such, in one embodiment the chamfer surface 102 comprises a non-constant slope. This is for illustrative purposed only, however, and should not be deemed limiting. The shape, slope, and size of the chamfer surface 102 will depend upon the size and dimensions of the working piece, the desired edge of the working piece, and other factors. Those of ordinary skill will understand the need to modify the shape of the chamfer surface 102 to obtain the desired outcome on the working piece.

[0020] In one embodiment, the chamfer surface 102 comprises a cutting material. As used herein, a cutting material can refer to a material of sufficient hardness to grind workpieces such as steel. A cutting material can include diamond particles, shaped tungsten carbide, or carbide inserts. These materials can be incorporated atop or within the chamfer surface 102. These cutting materials can be used to cut and round steel, for example. As an example, The diamonds can be incorporated within and/or atop the chamfer surface 102 using methods known in the art. Diamonds, unlike other materials, can grind steel and do not easily wear. Other materials used to grind steel become worn over time and must be replaced. The cutting material, such as diamond particles grind the steel without the wear associated with other materials.

[0021] As shown, the grinding wheel 100 further comprises a band 103. The band 103 locks the chamfer surface 102 in place. As depicted, the band 103 is approximately perpendicular to the planar portion 101.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective of a grinding wheel coupled to equipment in one embodiment. The grinding wheel 100 is shown being coupled to equipment 104. As noted, the equipment 104 can comprise virtually any equipment or machinery which rotates a part. As shown, the equipment 104 comprises a grinder. As depicted, the traditional abrasive wheel has been removed. In its place, the grinding wheel 100 has been coupled to the equipment 104. The grinding wheel 100, in one embodiment, has an integrally made abrasive wheel, which is the planar portion 101, and a chamfer portion 102, which functions as a chamfer tool. As noted, this single wheel 100 functions as two tools in one.

[0023] In one embodiment, the grinding wheel 100 will screw onto a 5/8-11 threaded grinder. Such a size is standard in the industry. This allows the grinding wheel 100 to be utilized on pre-existing equipment 104. This is an advantage as customers can obtain the grinding wheels 100 and not require any other specialized equipment or machinery. Instead, the user can utilize the equipment 104 they already own and use.

[0024] Turning to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a work piece 104 in one embodiment. As noted, the work piece 104 can comprise various sizes, shapes, and materials. In one embodiment, the work piece 104 comprises steel. As noted, steel has various properties which make grinding and rounding corners difficult. The grinding wheel 100 discussed herein overcomes these disadvantages by providing a single wheel 100 which accomplishes the tasks of multiple tools but with a single wheel 100.

[0025] FIG. 5 show what the work piece 104 does to a piece of steel. As shown, the grinding wheel 100 was used to create a uniform round-over of the sharp edge of steel. This is similar to what can be accomplished with a router with woodworking. Previously, a separate tool was utilized to attempt to round the sharp edges. This was a separate tool which required maintenance, upkeep, etc. Additionally, users had to separately carry and house this tool in their tool bag. The grinding wheel 100, however, provides a single tool which can both grind and create uniform round-over to dull the sharp corners.

[0026] As noted, in many industries sharp corners are to be rounded. For instance, all sharp edges in shipyards must be rounded over in order for paint to stick to the steel. As discussed, sharp edges create vulnerability to corrosion and chipping of paint accelerates when sharp edges are not rounded over. The grinding wheel 100, given the combination of the planar portion 101 and the chamfer surface 102, offers virtually limitless shape profiles to create different edges.

[0027] Additionally, as noted, in welding, in order to weld thick weldments, the user must first bevel the edges of the steel to be joined so that you can get full penetration. The angles range from about 5 degrees to about 37.5 degrees. Often, there is a land or an area that does not get beveled, that the weld itself can penetrate through. The grinding wheel 100 discussed herein provides an opportunity to create the desired and needed edges.

[0028] There are several benefits associated with diamond particles being located on the chamfer surface 102. First, the grinding wheel 100 lasts much longer than other grinding wheels. Thus, the equipment lasts longer and can be used longer than other grinding wheels. This reduces downtime associated with swapping and replacing worn grinding wheels 100. This, accordingly, reduces the amount of waste.

[0029] Additionally, rather than requiring a separate chamfering tool, the grinding wheel 100 offers multiple tools in one. The chamfering tool is combined with the grinding wheel 100 to offer a superior combination tool not previously available. A chamfering tool can have consumable inserts which must be replaced when they become worn. Further, this tool needs to be separately carried, maintained, etc. However, by utilizing a combination chamfer surface 102 with a grinding wheel 100, the need for a separate chamfering tool, with consumable inserts, is eliminated. Thus, the waste associated with the consumable inserts, is also eliminated.

[0030] As noted, in one embodiment, the diamond particles are only located on the chamfer surface 102. This reduces cost of the entire grinding wheel 100 and only utilizes the costly diamonds where they are most needed, i.e., the chamfer surface 102. Thus, in one embodiment, the planar surface 101 and the chamfer surface 102 will comprise dissimilar materials. The planar surface 101 can comprise virtually any material.

[0031] While one embodiment has been described wherein diamond particles are only utilized on the chamfer surface 102, in other embodiments the planar surface 101 can also comprise diamond particles.

[0032] The system described herein includes placing diamond particles on a disc in shapes to create profiles on the edge of plates, such as steel plates. The desired profile will determine the specific shape of the chamfer surface 102.

[0033] Turning to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a grinding wheel in one embodiment. FIG. 3 shows the various chamfer surface 102 shapes which can be utilized. As noted, this will be determined, in part, by the work piece and the desired shape for the edge of the work piece.

[0034] As noted, in one embodiment, the grinding wheel 100 comprises a planar portion 101 and a chamfer surface 102. The chamfer surface 102 extends vertically from the planar portion 101. The combination tool operates as both a grinding wheel and a chamfering tool. In one embodiment, the chamfer surface 102 comprises diamond particles. This allows the tool to be utilized on steel and steel work pieces. The components of the planar surface 101 can be selected depending upon the final work piece.

[0035] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.