Traceless trimming tool for concave surface of automobile appearance
By designing a tool for seamless repair of concave car exterior surfaces based on the principle of negative pressure, and utilizing a vacuum adsorption repair unit and multi-layer heavy-duty vacuum suction cups, the problems of complex use and low efficiency of existing tools are solved, achieving efficient repair and cost savings.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHENGZHOU NISSAN AUTOMOBILE CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing automotive exterior repair tools require professional training, are complex to use, have low repair efficiency, and are prone to causing deformation of inner panel holes and poor repair results.
Design a tool for seamless repair of concave car exterior surfaces based on the principle of negative pressure. The tool utilizes a vacuum adsorption repair unit to generate negative pressure through a vacuum generator, combined with multi-layer heavy-duty vacuum suction cups for repair. The tool has a compact structure that is easy to hold, and the quick connector allows for the replacement of suction cups of different diameters to adapt to different concave surfaces.
It improves repair efficiency, shortens repair time to 60% of existing technologies, reduces the impact on sheet metal parts, saves material costs, and ensures repair results.
Smart Images

Figure CN224169054U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automobile manufacturing, and in particular to a tool for repairing concave surfaces of automobiles without leaving marks. Background Technology
[0002] In vehicle manufacturing, transportation, operational errors, and equipment malfunctions can cause damage to the vehicle body, such as dents of varying depths. In actual production, scrapping these damaged bodies directly would increase production costs. Therefore, dents are typically repaired during vehicle manufacturing. Damage to vehicle sheet metal parts is classified into three levels based on the location and severity of the damage. Level 3 damage may be repaired depending on the situation, while Level 2 and Level 1 damage must be repaired. Therefore, sheet metal repair is an indispensable part of vehicle manufacturing.
[0003] Currently, the two main tools commonly used in welding workshops for surface finishing are sheet metal pry bars and shaping machines. Using sheet metal pry bars requires workers to undergo a certain period of training before they can be employed. Furthermore, there are many specifications of pry bars, and the appropriate pry bar needs to be selected after trying different options based on the actual situation. When using a pry bar, it is generally inserted through the holes in the inner panel, which can easily cause deformation of the inner panel holes. In addition, the final state of sheet metal pry bar repair is a wrinkled or hilly structure, which requires further repair using sheet metal hammers, sheet metal shims, grinders, and polishing machines, resulting in low efficiency.
[0004] A shaping machine uses the high resistance heat generated when a low-voltage, high-intensity current flows through two iron plates to melt the metal at the contact point. The pressure from the welding torch electrode then fuses them together, achieving the welding purpose. Finally, an inertial hammer is used to pull out the dent. However, using a shaping machine requires professional training and strict control over the welding current, the duration of the current flow, and the pulling force; otherwise, defects may occur, causing trouble for repairs.
[0005] In conclusion, it is essential to design a repair tool that is simple in structure, has a high repair effect, and is highly efficient. Summary of the Invention
[0006] In view of this, this utility model proposes a tool for seamless repair of concave surfaces on automotive exteriors. This tool is based on the principle of negative pressure to repair concave surfaces, thereby improving repair efficiency, reducing repair costs, and minimizing the impact of repair on sheet metal parts.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0008] The present invention relates to a tool for seamless repair of concave surfaces on automotive exteriors, comprising a housing, a fixing component, and a vacuum adsorption repair unit. The fixing component is disposed within the housing. The vacuum adsorption repair unit comprises a vacuum generator, a mechanical valve, and a vacuum suction cup connected in sequence. The vacuum generator and the mechanical valve are spaced apart on the fixing component. The air inlet pipe at the high-pressure inlet of the vacuum generator extends outward from the housing. The valve handle of the mechanical valve is located on the outside of the housing. A quick connector for connecting the mechanical valve is fixedly connected to the repair end of the housing, and the mounting tube of the vacuum suction cup is inserted into the quick connector. The beneficial effects are as follows: The shell length of this utility model can be controlled within 300mm, making the overall structure compact and easy to hold; this utility model utilizes a vacuum generator to create a vacuum (actual pressure less than standard atmospheric pressure), and then uses a vacuum suction cup to adsorb the concave surface of the damaged area. By finely adjusting the adsorption position, complex concave surfaces can be repaired, greatly improving the repair efficiency (tests show that the repair time for each concave surface can be reduced to 60% of the existing technology); in addition, due to the flexible connection between the vacuum suction cup and the sheet metal part, air leakage can be avoided, ensuring the pulling force, and reducing the impact on the sheet metal part. Furthermore, the quick connector can be adapted to connect with vacuum suction cups of different diameters. During actual repair, the vacuum suction cup can be changed according to the size of the concave surface to achieve comprehensive repair of the concave surface and ensure the repair effect.
[0009] Preferably, the outer shell is formed by two semi-cylindrical half-shells fixedly connected together. Each half-shell has a plurality of first mounting blocks with first mounting holes spaced apart along a long opening. The first mounting blocks of the two half-shells are arranged in pairs, and each pair of first mounting blocks is fixed together by bolts, making disassembly and assembly simple and convenient.
[0010] More preferably, each of the mounting ports of the half-shell has a plurality of second mounting blocks with second mounting holes spaced apart along the other long edge. The center line of the second mounting hole is perpendicular to the center line of the first mounting hole. The fastener is fixedly connected to the second mounting block by bolts passing through the second mounting holes, thereby realizing the fixed installation of the fastener in the shell and further ensuring the stability of the vacuum adsorption trimming unit.
[0011] Preferably, the outer shell near the trimming end has a concave surface to facilitate handheld operation.
[0012] Preferably, the vacuum suction cup is a multi-layer heavy-duty vacuum suction cup. The beneficial effect is that this invention uses a multi-layer heavy-duty vacuum suction cup, which has a large vertical deformation compression amount and compression buffer stroke, providing a certain buffering effect during actual trimming and further reducing the impact of trimming on sheet metal parts.
[0013] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are:
[0014] The outer shell of this invention can be controlled to a length of less than 300mm, resulting in a compact overall structure that is easy to hold. This invention utilizes a vacuum generator to create a vacuum (actual pressure less than standard atmospheric pressure), and then uses a vacuum suction cup to adhere to the concave surface of the damaged area. By finely adjusting the suction position, complex concave surfaces can be repaired, significantly improving the repair efficiency (tests show that the repair time for each concave surface can be reduced to 60% of existing technologies). Furthermore, the flexible connection between the vacuum suction cup and the sheet metal part reduces the impact on the sheet metal and prevents air leakage, ensuring pull-out force and further guaranteeing the repair effect. This invention features a quick-connect fitting on the outer shell, which can be adapted to connect with vacuum suction cups of different diameters. During actual repair, the vacuum suction cup can be changed according to the concave surface condition to achieve comprehensive repair and ensure the best repair effect. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.
[0016] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the present invention.
[0017] Figure 3 This is another perspective view of this utility model.
[0018] Figure 4 This is another schematic diagram of the fixing base of this utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are implemented based on the technical solution of this utility model and provide detailed implementation methods and specific operation processes. However, the protection scope of this utility model is not limited to the following embodiments.
[0020] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0021] like Figure 1-2As shown, the automotive exterior concave surface repair tool of this utility model includes a housing 1, a fixing component, and a vacuum adsorption repair unit. The fixing component is a fixing seat 2 set inside the housing 1. The vacuum adsorption repair unit includes a vacuum generator 3.1, a mechanical valve 3.2, and a vacuum suction cup 3.3 connected in sequence through pipelines. The vacuum generator 3.1 and the mechanical valve 3.2 are spaced apart on the fixing seat 2. The air inlet pipe at the high pressure inlet of the vacuum generator 3.1 extends outward from the housing 1 and can be connected to the compressed air source in the workshop (which can be an air compression station or compressed gas compressed in a steel cylinder) through the air inlet pipe. The exhaust pipe at the exhaust port of the vacuum generator 3.1 extends out of the housing, and a muffler is provided at the exhaust pipe to reduce noise.
[0022] The valve handle of the mechanical valve 3.2 is located on the outside of the housing 1; a quick connector 3.4 connected to the mechanical valve 3.2 is fixed at the port of the housing. The quick connector 3.4 extends outward from the trimming end of the housing 1. The mounting tube of the vacuum suction cup 3.3 is inserted into the quick connector 3.4. The quick connector 3.4 can be adapted to connect with vacuum suction cups 3.3 of different diameters. In actual trimming, vacuum suction cups 3.3 of different diameters can be replaced according to the size of the concave surface to achieve full trimming of the concave surface and ensure trimming effect.
[0023] During operation, pressing the valve handle of mechanical valve 3.2 allows external compressed air to enter vacuum generator 3.1, creating negative pressure. This connects vacuum generator 3.1 and vacuum suction cup 3.3, creating a negative pressure state for the suction cup, allowing for concave surface adsorption and trimming. Releasing the valve handle disconnects the connection between vacuum suction cup 3.3 and vacuum generator 3.1. Repeating this process allows for multiple trimming operations. Since the concave surface may change during repair, different sizes of vacuum suction cup 3.3 can be used for adsorption and trimming to ensure optimal results. The flexible connection between vacuum suction cup 3.3 and the sheet metal part not only reduces impact on the sheet metal but also prevents air leakage, ensuring sufficient pull-out force and further guaranteeing the trimming effect.
[0024] Verification has shown that the average repair speed of traditional pry bars and shaping machines is 5 minutes to repair a secondary concave surface; while the average repair speed using the tool of this invention is 3 minutes to repair a secondary (or primary) concave surface, reducing the repair time to 60% of the traditional method, thus significantly improving repair efficiency. Furthermore, compared to traditional methods, this invention only requires a compressed air source during repair, eliminating the need for other consumables. The total consumable cost for vehicle repair is only 0.12 yuan, saving over 100,000 yuan in consumable costs annually, achieving cost reduction and efficiency improvement.
[0025] In actual processing, the outer shell 1 is composed of two semi-cylindrical shells 1.1 connected by multiple bolts. Multiple first mounting blocks 1.2 with first mounting holes are spaced along the inner side of the long opening of the mounting port of each shell 1.1, with the first mounting blocks 1.2 arranged opposite to each other. During actual installation, after the vacuum adsorption trimming unit is installed in place, the two shells 1.1 are snapped together, and the two first mounting blocks 1.2 are fixed together using bolts. This achieves the connection of the two shells 1.1, making assembly and disassembly simple and convenient. See details... Figure 1-2 .
[0026] Combination Figure 1 , 3 It can be seen that a second mounting block 1.3 with a second mounting hole is provided at intervals on the inner side of the other long opening of each half shell 1.1. The center line of the second mounting hole is perpendicular to the center line of the first mounting hole. The fixing seat 2 and the second mounting block 1.3 can be fixed together by bolts, thereby realizing the fixed installation of the fixing seat 2 and the outer shell 1.
[0027] In actual processing, the two half shells 1.1 of the outer shell 1 can be formed by 3D printing, which is simple and low cost. The total length of the outer shell 1 is controlled at 260mm-280mm, and the outer diameter of the outer shell 1 is 50mm-60mm. The end near the vacuum suction cup 3.3 is designed with a concave surface to facilitate hand holding and force application when pulling.
[0028] In actual installation, the vacuum suction cup 3.3 of this utility model is equipped with various specifications (based on adsorption area). The quick connector can be adapted to connect with vacuum suction cups 3.3 of different diameters. During actual trimming, the vacuum suction cup 3.3 can be replaced according to the size of the concave surface to achieve comprehensive trimming of the concave surface and ensure trimming effect. In addition, the vacuum suction cup 3.3 is preferably a multi-layer heavy-duty vacuum suction cup 3.3, which has a large vertical deformation compression amount and compression buffer stroke, and has a certain buffering effect during actual trimming, further reducing the impact of trimming on sheet metal parts.
[0029] In actual installation, the mounting base 2 can be an L-shaped structure, having a horizontal mounting portion 2.1 and a vertical portion 2.2 along the length of the outer casing 1. The vertical portion 2.2 is close to the trimmed end of the outer casing 1 and has a through hole for fixing the quick connector 3.4 to the vertical portion 2.2. See details below. Figure 4 .
[0030] Finally, it should be emphasized that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit this utility model. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still make modifications to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments without creative effort, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A tool for seamless repair of concave surfaces on automotive exteriors, characterized in that: The device includes a housing, a fixing component, and a vacuum adsorption trimming unit. The fixing component is disposed inside the housing. The vacuum adsorption trimming unit includes a vacuum generator, a mechanical valve, and a vacuum suction cup connected in sequence. The vacuum generator and the mechanical valve are spaced apart on the fixing component. The air inlet pipe at the high-pressure inlet of the vacuum generator extends outward from the housing. The valve handle of the mechanical valve is located on the outside of the housing. A quick connector for connecting the mechanical valve is fixed to the trimming end of the housing. The mounting tube of the vacuum suction cup is inserted into the quick connector.
2. The non-marking repair tool for concave surfaces of automobile exteriors according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer shell is formed by two semi-cylindrical shells fixedly connected together. Each of the shells has a long opening with a number of first mounting blocks with first mounting holes spaced apart. The first mounting blocks of the two shells are arranged in pairs, and each pair of first mounting blocks is fixed together by bolts.
3. The non-marking repair tool for concave surfaces of automobile exteriors according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the half-shells has a plurality of second mounting blocks with second mounting holes spaced apart along the inner edge of the other long opening of the mounting port. The center line of the second mounting hole is perpendicular to the center line of the first mounting hole. The fastener is fixedly connected to the second mounting block by bolts passing through the second mounting holes.
4. The non-marking repair tool for concave surfaces of automobile exteriors according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer shell near the trimmed end is recessed to form a concave surface.
5. The non-marking repair tool for concave surfaces of automobile exteriors according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vacuum suction cup is a multi-layer heavy-duty vacuum suction cup.