Adjustable profile sanding and dust removal method and apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a means to increase the efficacy of the sanding of surfaces of contoured or other complex geometries as often found in automotive panels undergoing collision repair. In particular, the present invention provides a means to achieve a flat, convex, or concave sanding surface as required by the site of the work and as adjusted by the operator. Additionally, dust removal facility means are provided for the adjustable profile sander allowing the operator to reduce the release of fine particulates in the immediate work environment. The application of the present invention reduces the occurrence of secondary damage arising from the action of sanding through its surface contour adaptability while also reducing the number of sanding passes required to achieve the level of smoothness desired. Further, the safety of the operator is enhanced through the removal of potentially harmful particulates at the site of the work as generated during the operation of sanding.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention generally relates to surface smoothing technologies providing sanding means for contoured surfaces. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus employed to enhance surface smoothness of contoured automotive panels in preparation for paint application in the automotive collision repair environment. The application of the present invention for surface smoothing is appropriate where the profile of the intended work surface is of contoured geometry. This invention finds particular application in the surface smoothing of the complex contours of modern automobile surfaces where adjustability of the contour of the contact surface of the sanding apparatus is desirable. Additionally, the application of the dust removal facility of the present application is appropriate where the reduction or elimination of fine particulates in the immediate work environment, arising from the action ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The present invention allows the operator to adjust the surface contour of the smoothing surface of the sanding tool as required by the geometry of the work. In particular, the operator is able to set the concavity or convexity of the sanding surface as desired and the apparatus retains said adjusted surface contour until readjustment is provided by the operator. In setting a concave sanding surface contour, the operator is able to apply the apparatus at the site of convex work surfaces without threat of damage at the contact surface edges. In setting a convex sanding surface contour, the operator is able to apply the apparatus at the site of concave work surfaces thereby greatly increasing the contact area and thus reducing the number of passes required to achieve the action of smoothing. With the use of the dust removal facility of the present invention, the operator is able to significantly reduce the release of potentially dangerous fine particulates into the work environment arising from the action of surface smoothing. The application of the present invention increases efficiency of surface smoothing, particularly for surfaces of complex geometry, while enhancing the safety of the operator thereby providing a method and apparatus generally free of the deficiencies of the prior art.

Problems solved by technology

Such devices are generally used for the smoothing of a variety of work surface geometries wherein any increase in the complexity of surface geometry significantly reduces the efficacy of application.

Due to the limitations of applying a flat surface in the process of smoothing a contoured surface, the operator is often unable to achieve full contact with the work surface thereby increasing the number of passes required to perform the action of surface smoothing.

Additionally, the operator is often unable to negotiate concave surfaces with a flat sanding surface thereby leading to secondary damage arising from the action of repair requiring further corrective actions to be undertaken at the site of the work.

The high rate of passes in combination with corrective measures generally required to perform contoured surface smoothing using prior art embodiments negatively impacts the overall efficiency of the automotive collision repair process.

Additionally, the fine particulates released into the work environment during the action of surface smoothing often threaten the safety and health of the operator.

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