Surface Abrasion Tool With Linear Drive and Locating Pin

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a powered tool that can effectively abrade surfaces around holes in metal and composite plates for adhesive and sealing applications, allowing for efficient one-handed operation to ensure good adhesion.

Innovation Solution

A powered surface abrasion tool with a rotating spindle, a power transfer assembly, and a linear drive mechanism that enables a sanding disc to be precisely positioned and rotated for efficient surface preparation, allowing for one-handed operation and secure bonding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a powered surface abrasion tool is designed for one-handed operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for integrated power transfer and linear drive mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveone-handed operationVSAvoidpower transfer assembly and linear drive mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the rotary power output from the motor with the linear positioning mechanism into a single integrated assembly. The power transfer assembly merges rotational motion from the spindle with the linear reciprocating motion of the sanding disc, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms and enabling one-handed operation despite the complex functions performed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sanding disc is designed to perform dual motion: rotation driven by the motor through the power transfer assembly, and linear reciprocation controlled by the linear drive means. This dynamic combination of rotational and linear motion allows the tool to achieve complex abrasion patterns while maintaining a compact, one-handed form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the sanding disc is precisely positioned using a linear drive means with piston rod and slide rods, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesanding disc positioningVSAvoidlinear drive means with piston rod and slide rods
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The linear drive means acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator's control and the sanding disc positioning. The piston rod and slide rods serve as intermediate elements that convert controlled linear motion into precise positioning of the sanding disc against the workpiece, enabling accurate depth control without requiring complex electronic or hydraulic systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning system is segmented into distinct functional components: the piston rod for primary linear motion, the slide rods for guided movement, and the pressure plate for force application. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve precise overall positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the sanding disc rotates at high speed for efficient abrasion, then productivity is improved, but the risk of harmful factors increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface abrasion efficiencyVSAvoidsafety risks from rotating disc
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locating pin is positioned to make contact with the workpiece before the sanding disc begins its high-speed rotation and abrasion. This preliminary positioning ensures the sanding disc is correctly located and stabilized before high-speed operation commences, preventing dangerous deviations or kickback while maintaining high productivity during the actual abrasion process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure plate serves as an intermediary between the linear drive means and the sanding disc, providing controlled downward force that stabilizes the rotating disc against the workpiece. This intermediary mechanism ensures the high-speed rotating disc maintains consistent contact without excessive vibration or deviation, reducing safety risks while preserving abrasion efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8845397B1Surface abrasion tool
Publication Date: 2014.09.30 AR TIPS & TOOLS
  • US8845397B1 patent drawing
  • US8845397B1 patent drawing
  • US8845397B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A surface abrasion tool (12) has a first drive shaft (42) connect a motor (14) to a power transfer assembly (20). The power transfer assembly (20) transfers rotary power from the first drive shaft (42) to a second drive shaft (46) which is spaced apart from and parallel to the first drive shaft (42). A sanding disc (26) is secured to the second drive shaft (46). A linear drive means (16) is mounted in fixed relation to the motor (14) and selectively moves a pressure plate (22) relative to the sanding disc (26). A locating pin (28) extends from the pressure plate (22) in opposed relation to the sanding disc (26) and fits within a hole in a work piece. The linear drive means (16) is actuated to push the sanding disc (26) into a side of the work piece opposite the locating pin (28).