Corner Finishing Tool with Quick Connect Ball Socket and Spring Tension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing corner finishing tools in the construction industry face issues with high manufacturing costs, sharp edges that reduce tool life, and require excessive user effort for attachment and release, with blades that can become stuck and wear out quickly in abrasive environments, and often have limited versatility due to fixed handle configurations.

Innovation Solution

A corner finishing tool with a lightweight, corrosion-resistant design featuring a quick connect/disconnect ball and socket system, interchangeable blades, and a spring tension system for adjustable blade force, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, and cleaning, with a novel blade geometry for improved smoothness and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a ball style attachment system with retention clips or springs is used, then the tool can be quickly attached and released, but the retention clips or springs fatigue during use causing tools to fall off and requiring frequent repairs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment and release operationVSAvoidtool retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is divided into modular components including a handle, applicator box, and finishing tool that can be independently attached and detached. Each component features standardized connection interfaces that allow quick assembly and disassembly without compromising structural integrity or retention reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If levers are rotated inwardly against spring force for attachment, then the ball end can be removed from the corner finishing tool, but the system requires multiple moving parts that increase complexity and potential failure points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment configurationVSAvoidmechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex lever and spring mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simplified quick-connect interface. The connection system uses a straightforward insert-and-lock design that eliminates unnecessary moving parts while maintaining the ability to quickly attach and detach different tool configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If blades are used in abrasive environments, then the tool can perform its finishing function, but the blades become stuck and wear out quickly reducing tool life

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefinishing functionVSAvoidblade life

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The blades are designed with specific geometric features including rounded edges and optimized profiles that reduce stress concentration and prevent material buildup in abrasive environments. The local quality of the blade surface and geometry is optimized to maintain finishing effectiveness while significantly extending blade service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Device complexity

If fixed handle configurations are used, then the tool structure is simplified, but the tool has limited versatility for different application scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool structureVSAvoidapplication flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tool incorporates universal connection interfaces and interchangeable components that allow a single base tool to perform multiple functions. The handle, applicator box, and finishing tool can be mixed and matched in different configurations to suit various application requirements, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The tool is cost-effective, durable, and easy to use, with reduced effort required for attachment and release, and provides improved smoothness and durability, allowing for efficient application and removal of mastic or mud on various surfaces without losing functionality over extended use.

Implementation Method 1

a spring tension system for adjustable blade force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

quick connect/disconnect ball and socket system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical articulation: Ball

Data Source

PatentUS10577812B1Apparatus and methods for tool(s) to work on building surface(s)

Publication Date: 2020.03.03 EXCEPTIONAL IP HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

The present invention is directed to construction tools. The present invention includes tools used for applying mastic or mud to a work surface, for example, a corner finishing tool that may have a quick engage/disengage ball and socket feature that automatically stays open and automatically closes and locks. Various embodiments may include a universal and interchangeable working/running blade and cooperating frame design. The frame design may be partially held in place with a face or top plate. Various embodiments may include a multiple tension spring design with one or more adjustment arm(s) for varying the tension on the frame(s) and blade(s). Various embodiments may include flat internal walls to accommodate the one or more adjustment arm(s). Various embodiments may also include a input port cone with ball for attachment to, for example, an applicator box, that may be formed from multiple parts that may be made from different materials.