Self-Aligning Tool Guide With Active Balance on Uneven Ceilings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drilling holes in suspended ceilings for technical installations is time-consuming due to the need for frequent ladder repositioning and the challenge of maintaining alignment on uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning tool guide with a mounting, lifting mechanism, and self-balancing chassis, equipped with sensors and a steering system, that dynamically stabilizes and aligns the tool guide on one or two wheels, counteracting lateral deflections and ensuring precise alignment on wavy and inclined surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a traditional ceiling drilling device with telescopic column and impact drill is used, then holes can be drilled in the ceiling, but the device is complex and must be divided into multiple parts for transport
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into functionally integrated segments: a compact chassis with drive and steering, a lifting mechanism for vertical movement, and a mounting for the hand-held machine tool. This segmentation allows the device to be compact enough for transport while maintaining all necessary drilling functions in a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis serves multiple functions: it provides mobility with drive and steering, supports the lifting mechanism, and houses the control system. The lifting mechanism both positions the tool vertically and stabilizes the device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the tool guide is freely oscillating to avoid lateral forces on wavy ceilings, then lateral forces are avoided, but the tool alignment becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static, rigid structure to a dynamic system with active stabilization. The center of gravity sensor continuously detects lateral deflections, and the steering system dynamically adjusts wheel torque in real-time to counteract these deflections, maintaining alignment despite ceiling irregularities.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback loop is established through the center of gravity sensor that continuously monitors the lateral position of the tool guide and sends signals to the steering system. This closed-loop control enables real-time corrections to maintain precise alignment while adapting to varying ceiling conditions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the device uses multiple wheels for stability, then stable footing is achieved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs its own stabilization function through the center of gravity sensor and active steering control. Instead of relying on a complex multi-wheel mechanical stabilization system, the two-wheeled device uses electronic sensing and active control to maintain balance and alignment autonomously.
4Ease of operation
If a ladder is used to reach the ceiling, then access to high ceilings is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming due to frequent repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical system of ladder repositioning is replaced with an automated mobile device featuring electric drive and steering. The operator simply guides the device to the desired location using the steering system, and the drive mechanism handles all movement, eliminating the repetitive physical effort and time loss associated with ladder repositioning.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and stable operation on uneven surfaces by dynamically stabilizing and aligning the tool guide, reducing the need for manual repositioning and ensuring accurate hole placement, thereby improving the efficiency of installation work.
Implementation Method 1
A center of gravity sensor is arranged to detect a lateral deflection of the center of gravity of the lifting mechanism relative to the wheel axle
Implementation Method 2
The steering system is arranged to control the drive to deliver a torque counteracting the deflection
Implementation Method 3
An inclination sensor detects an inclination of a wheel axle of the chassis with respect to a horizontal plane
Data Source
AI summary
A tool guide has a mounting, a lifting mechanism, and a chassis. The mounting is for fixing a hand-held machine tool. The mounting is mounted on the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism has a propulsion unit for vertically lifting the mounting. The chassis has two wheels on a wheel axle, a drive coupled with the wheels, and a steering system. The lifting mechanism is rigidly mounted on the chassis. A center of gravity sensor is arranged to detect a lateral deflection of the center of gravity of the lifting mechanism relative to the wheel axle. The steering system is configured to control the drive to deliver a torque counteracting the lateral deflection.