Sensor-Guided Brick Pointing Nozzle for Fast, Clean Joint Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pointing brickwork by hand or using traditional apparatus is slow and time-consuming, especially as the scale of the brickwork increases, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A pointing device that includes a filling nozzle, support, movement means, control unit, and sensor, which work together to efficiently and accurately fill pointing spaces without physical interaction with the brickwork, using a cement-based pointing substance and allowing for real-time adjustments and precise application of pointing material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pointing brickwork is performed by hand or using traditional apparatus, then the brickwork can be pointed, but the process is slow and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pointing operations with an automated dispensing system that uses a nozzle to apply pointing material. The control unit automates the positioning and material application, substituting human labor with a mechanical automation system that operates continuously at higher speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect the position and characteristics of brickwork elements, allowing the device to self-adjust and self-position without manual intervention. The control unit processes sensor data to automatically control the dispensing operation, making the system self-sufficient.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional pointing apparatus is used, then pointing can be performed, but physical interaction may damage the brickwork
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a nozzle as an intermediary component that applies pointing material without direct physical contact between the operator and the brickwork. The pointing material itself serves as a mediator that fills gaps without requiring forceful manipulation of the bricks or stones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual physical interaction with automated positioning mechanisms. The movement means and control unit precisely position the nozzle without requiring operators to physically handle or touch the brickwork, eliminating the risk of accidental damage from human contact.
3Strength
If cement-based pointing substance is used, then strong pointing material is achieved, but clogging in traditional apparatus occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pointing tools with a controlled dispensing system that uses air pressure or pump mechanisms to deliver cement-based material through a nozzle. This substitution eliminates the mechanical components (such as trowels or forced injection systems) that were prone to clogging, while maintaining reliable material delivery.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pointing device (10) for pointing brickwork a method for pointing brickwork and use of the pointing device (10) for pointing brickwork. The pointing device comprises: • - a support (12) that is configured for supporting a product (14) comprising brickwork; • - a filling nozzle (20); • - a pointing substance container (22) that is operatively coupled with the filling nozzle (20), wherein the pointing substance container (22) is configured for holding a pointing substance; • - movement means (24) that are configured to position the filling nozzle (20) relative to the support (12); • - a control unit (26) configured for • - controlling the movement means (24); and • - determining the amount of pointing substance in relation to a point; • - a sensor (28) that is operatively connected to the controller (26), and is configured for sensing the location and size of the point; and • - orientation means (30) that are configured to establish a relative position between the filling nozzle (20) and the support (12).