System and Method for Polishing the Edge of an Electronic Device

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/668,321 filed on May 20, 2024. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

Technology is always advancing and has done so at a rapid pace for the last several decades. Technology has become sophisticated, smaller, and accessible across the globe. This has led to technology becoming integral in everyday life. As with any integral element of life, the demand is high. This high demand has led to a rise in the cost of technological devices.

In addition to high demand, the simple replacement of devices can be expensive. If one merely discards older equipment or equipment with minor defects for a brand-new piece the cost can escalate quickly. If, however, technology is upgraded, or repaired this process can be much more cost effective for both the company and consumer.

Refurbishing phones or other mobile devices often includes polishing various surfaces of phones. This polishing process removes scratches or other contaminates from the device creating a like new look and feel to the device. However, this polishing process is not as simple as it may appear. If the wrong method of polishing is applied to a mobile device the device may become ruined. This could be due to applying additional scratches or taking to much material from the device. Another aspect could be the removal of paint from the device. This could mean adding additional steps to the refurb process removing any profit from the device.

Many companies have been taking advantage of the repair instead of discard philosophy. Further, many consumers are happy purchasing a lightly used and repaired device instead of a brand new one. However, these processes come with new challenges in order to remain effective. Consequently, there is always a need for an improvement in the art.

The present invention provides a system and method for polishing the edge of a mobile device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when polishing a mobile device. The system for polishing the edges of an electronic device includes a chamber comprised of plurality of side walls. A frame is used to secure the plurality of sidewalls and various system components. A robot arm configured to secure to and move an electronic device is secured to the frame. A polishing machine is secured to the frame within range of the robot arm. A polishing compound plate which is secured to a pneumatic actuator which is configured to raise and lower the polishing compound plate.

Another object of the system for polishing edges of an electronic device is to have the configuration of the polishing compound plate and the pneumatic actuator be configured to apply polishing compound to the polishing machine

Another object of the system for polishing edges of an electronic device is to have at least one electronic device slot secured to the frame within the chamber.

Another object of the system for polishing edges of an electronic device is to have at least one door configured to allow access to the interior of the chamber.

Another object of the system for polishing edges of an electronic device is to have a computer operably coupled to a robot arm controller.

Another object of the system for polishing edges of an electronic device is to have at least one human machine interface (HMI) operably coupled to the computer.

Another object of the system for polishing edges of an electronic device is to have the HMI be configured to display system information.

Another object of the system for polishing edges of an electronic device is to have the robot arm have an electronic gripper secured to the end which is configured to secure to an electronic device.

Another object of the system for polishing edges of an electronic device is to have a stabilizer secured to the gripper. The stabilizer is configured to rest against at least one side of the electronic device.

Another object of the system for polishing edges of an electronic device is to have at least one polishing compound operably positioned on the polishing compound plate.

The method of polishing an electronic device begins by inserting an electronic device into a chamber of a polishing system. Then enabling the polishing system. Polishing only metallic edges of the electronic device. The polishing is completed in a specific predetermined sequence. The polishing step includes applying polishing compound to a desired polishing wheel of a polishing machine. Finally the electronic device is removed from the polishing system.

Another step of the method for polishing edges of an electronic device is to determine the type of the electronic device.

Another step of the method for polishing edges of an electronic device is to place the electronic device in a correct electronic device slot

Another step of the method for polishing edges of an electronic device is to polish the electronic device using a plurality of polishing wheel and polishing compound combinations.

Another object of the method for polishing edges of an electronic device is to have the polishing step conducted using a first polish and a second polish.

Another step of the method for polishing edges of an electronic device is to place the polishing system into a safe state.

Another step of the method for polishing edges of an electronic device is to enter the electronic device unique identifier into the polishing system.

Another object of the method for polishing edges of an electronic device is to have the polishing sequence be determined based upon the device type and polishing need.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, a preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for the system and method for cleaning an electronic device with dry ice. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to, there is shown a block diagram of a computing system. Computing systems may have many interchangeable parts or multiples of some parts. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the shown computeris a basic computing system demonstrating a minimal amount of parts to allow for the computer to function. Computeris exemplary, and one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that computermay be altered as necessary to render the presently disclosed system operable or to provide a peak performance of the disclosed system.

The parts described are each operably coupled together as necessary, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand how to connect general computer components, for example by use of a mother board or other computer board. In the shown embodiment the computerincludes a CPU. In one embodiment the CPUincludes only one processor. In other embodiments the CPUmay be made up of multiple processors. Different processors will allow for different computing power and speed.

The computerincludes at least one storage device. In different embodiments the at least one storage devicemay be a solid-state storage device, a disk storage device, or another suitable storage device. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are several types of computing storage devices each providing well-known benefits and drawbacks. The at least one storage devicewill store at least the computer operating systemand system software. System softwaremay include any software necessary, or optionally, used to run any system described herein.

The computerwill have at least one memory device. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are several types of computing memory devices each providing well known benefits and drawbacks. The at least one memory devicewill store at any active software. Active softwaremay include the operating systemor parts of the system software. The at least one memory devicemay store the entire system softwaresize and speed permitting.

The computermay also include various connection ports and types. The computermay have a display adaptor. The display adaptorwill allow the computerto connect to at least one display. In other embodiments multiple displays may be connected to the display adaptor. Similarly, the computermay include at least one input/output interface. The input/output interfacewill allow the computerto connect to at least one system, referred to as System Xin. The input/output interfacemay also allow for connection to only part of System Xor multiple systems. The computerwill also be operably connected to a required power source.

The computermay also include a transceiver. In one embodiment the transceiveris a wired transceiver. In another embodiment the transceiveris a wireless transceiver. The transceiverwill allow the computerto connect to a network. The networkmay be an internet or an intranet connection. The networkwill allow for the computerto potentially connect to multiple other computing devices. In another embodiment the network may allow for the computerto connect to multiple systems. In one embodiment the computerwill allow for System Xto be connected to the network.

Referring now toand, there is shown a front view and a rear view of an example of an electronic device, such as a mobile phone device. Electronic devices may have many different parts and components. Even like parts or components may be in various locations or have different shapes and sizes. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the shown electronic deviceis merely an example of the exterior of a device. Any specialized or specific features or requirements of devices will be detailed herein as necessary. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that many electronic deviceshave many of these described characteristics. Further, electronic devices, such as mobile phone devices, operate on a computer-based platform having many of the computer parts as described in. The below description seeks to detail external components and not the computer which runs the electronic device. The electronic devicecan be, without limitation, a mobile phone device, or a tablet. In one embodiment other electronic devices may be used such as laptops, cable set top boxes, routers, or antennas.

The shown electronic deviceincludes a front surface, a rear surface, and four side surfaces. The front surfacetypically includes a screen which covers a majority of the surface. The screen is typically covered with a specialized material, currently a glass product. The front surfacemay also include a speaker openingand a camera opening.

The rear surfaceof the electronic devicemay include at least one camera lens. In the shown embodiment there are a plurality of camera lenses. In another embodiment at least one light lens is secured to the rear surface. In many embodiments the rear surfaceincludes a logo. The logomay represent the company which created the electronic device. The rear surfacemay include a coating or covering to decorate or protect the rear surface. For example, a coating may be applied to the rear surfaceto ensure a shiny surface.

The side surfacesof the electronic devicemay include any or all of the following parts. In one embodiment the electronic devicewill have several openings for speaker output. The electronic devicewill also include a charging port. Charging portsmay include a prong therein to secure to a charging cord. An electronic devicemay include a plurality of buttonsalong the side surfaces. In different embodiments the plurality of buttonsmay allow for volume control, locking the electronic device, or other desired functions. In some embodiments the electronic devicemay include a switch. In yet another embodiment the electronic deviceincludes a SIM card slot or other card slot.

Referring now to, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the system for polishing the edge of a mobile device. The system for polishing the edge of a mobile device is built inside a chamber. The chamberincludes a frame. The frameincludes supports which are configured to hold various doors, side panels, and windows. In some embodiments the doorsare created from windows. The doorsallow a user to access the interior of the chamber. The windowswill allow for visual inspection of the interior of the chamber, especially when the system is in use as will be described herein.

In one embodiment the chamberincludes a plurality of feet. In some embodiments each one of the plurality of feetinclude a wheel. In some embodiments the feethave an adjustable height. This will allow for the chamberto be leveled by adjusting the feet. Further, the feetcan add to the stability of the chamber.

Referring now to, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the system for polishing the edge of a mobile device, with sidewalls removed. From this perspective many of the components of the system for polishing the edge of an electronic device are shown. The system for polishing the edge of an electronic device includes a control panel. The control panelis discussed in detail in. In the shown embodiment the control panelis placed on a side of the chamberaway from a polishing machinefacing away from the polishing machine. This will protect the components of the control panelfrom polishing compoundand other debris.

In the shown embodiment the polishing machineis located on the right front side of the chamber. The polishing machinemay be located in different places of the chamberas necessary. In one embodiment the polishing machineis an 8 inch variable speed industrial buffer. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various machines which are commercially available can be used to fulfill the purpose and requirements of the polishing machine. In one embodiment as discussed below the polishing machineis capable of spinning polishing wheels at 3600 RPM. In one embodiment the controllerfor the polishing machineis positioned on the exterior of the chamber.

In the shown embodiment the polishing machinehas a wheelsecured to one side of the device. In one embodiment the wheelis a counterweight. In another embodiment the wheelis a fine polishing wheel which can be used as desired during the polishing process. This wheelis in no way mandatory for the polishing process.

The polishing machinehas at least one polishing wheelsecured to the side of the machine opposite wheel. In one embodiment a two wheelsare secured to the same side of the polishing machine. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that different combinations and configurations of polishing wheels can be used to accomplish an electronic device edge polish. In one embodiment the polishing wheelis a dry polishing wheel. In another embodiment the polishing wheelrequires a polishing compound.

In the shown embodiment situated below the polishing wheelsis a polishing compound plate. The polishing compound platewill hold polishing compound. In one embodiment the polishing compound plateis specially configured to hold polishing compoundand apply it to the polishing wheel(s). One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the polishing compound platecan be altered to match the configuration of the polishing wheel(s). In one embodiment multiple polishing compound platescan be used to best apply polishing compound to the polishing wheel(s).

Polishing compounds can be found from many providers in the industry and are generally of a standard composition. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that many different combinations of polishing wheels and polishing compounds, from varying manufactures can be used to achieve similar results. These combinations can be determined without undue experimentation.

In one embodiment the polishing compound plateis secured to a pneumatic actuator. The pneumatic actuatormay be used to ensure that polishing compoundis always applied to the polishing wheelsat a uniform and identical pressure even as the polishing compoundis used and worn away. In the shown embodiment, when triggered, the pneumatic actuatorwill rise the polishing compound platesuch that the polishing compoundwill contact the polishing wheel(s).

The polishing system includes at least one electronic device slot. The electronic device slotis located within the chamberand allows for a electronic deviceto be placed therein. In one embodiment there is more than one electronic device slot. In one embodiment this allows for multiple electronic devices to be polished before the system needs to be reloaded. In another embodiment each electronic device slotis configured to fit only a certain electronic device or group of electronic devices therein. Many electronic devices have varying dimensions. By having multiple electronic device slotsmany different types of electronic devices can be placed in the polishing system with a stationary electronic device slot.

The system includes a robot arm. In one embodiment the robot armis a UR10e collaborative robot arm. The robot armis operably coupled to a robot controller. The robot controlleris operably coupled to the control paneland its components. The robot armis configured to pick up an electronic deviceand place the device against the polishing wheel(s)in order to polish the edges of the mobile device.

In some embodiments in order to facilitate the grabbing and polishing of an electronic device the robot armis fitted with a grabber head. Various types of grabbers can be used as the grabber head. However, in one embodiment an electric grabber is used. In one embodiment the electric grabber can apply a constant 100N of force to the electronic device. This will secure the electronic devicefor polishing without damaging the electronic device. In some instances, grabber tipsare secured to the grabber. The grabber tipswill increase the coefficient of friction creating a better hold of the electronic device.

In some embodiments the grabberincludes at least one stabilizing part. In some instances the electronic devicebeing polished will tilt in the grabber. In order to correct this issue in some embodiments a stabilizing partis secured to the grabbersuch that it rests along one side of the electronic device. This will apply pressure to the electronic devicesuch that it will help stabilize the electronic device when polishing.

In one embodiment the system includes a removable tray. The removeable traycan be positioned below the polishing tool. This will allow for excess polishing compoundor other particles, which would otherwise be stuck to the chamber, to be easily removed. The traycan be removed from the chamber, cleaned, and replaced.

In some embodiments a human machine interface (HMI)is included as part of the polishing system. The HMIwill allow a user to see various aspects of the polishing system and system information. For example, the HMImay show any or all of the following: the electronic device's model, the polishing process status, a time to completion, a completed signal, system logs, errors, a number of devices polished, an emergency stop, and robot controls. In one embodiment the HMIwill display a start button which must be selected in order to begin the polishing process. This button may be selected with an input device such as a mouse, keyboard, or via a touch screen.