Mobile Dent Pulling Anchor Using Vehicle Weight Counterbalance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dent repair methods are labor-intensive and inefficient, particularly for larger or deeper dents, as they require significant manual effort and are limited to pulling at one location at a time, making it difficult to achieve high-quality and efficient repairs.
Innovation Solution
A mobile anchor point system that includes a floor-mounted gantry and a mobile workstation using the vehicle's weight as a counterweight to secure a dent removal tool, allowing for the simultaneous pulling of multiple dents and improving repair efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional slide hammer or manual pulling tools are used, then dent removal can be performed, but the technician is limited to pulling at one location at a time, reducing repair efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the dent removal process by allowing multiple pulling operations to occur simultaneously at different locations on the vehicle. The mobile anchor point with multiple attachment points enables technicians to attach multiple pulling tools to different dents or dings, performing parallel repair operations that significantly improve productivity compared to sequential manual methods
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile anchor point serves multiple functions: it provides a stable anchoring mechanism, supports multiple simultaneous pulling operations, and can be repositioned to different locations on the vehicle. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple separate manual tools and anchor points, simplifying the overall repair process while maintaining operational ease
2Force
If larger strips or tabs are used for deeper dents, then greater pulling force is required, but manual tools cannot provide sufficient force efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile anchor point utilizes the vehicle's own weight as a counterweight to provide the necessary anchoring force for pulling deeper dents. By positioning the anchor point on the vehicle body and using the vehicle's mass as resistance, the system can generate and sustain high pulling forces that would be impossible to achieve manually, while the vehicle itself serves as the counterbalancing element
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile anchor point acts as an intermediary between the pulling tool and the vehicle body, transmitting and amplifying the pulling force. It provides a mechanical advantage system where the anchor point's connection to the vehicle's weight creates a leveraging effect, allowing relatively small input forces to generate large output forces needed for deep dent removal
3Productivity
If multiple dents are pulled simultaneously to improve repair quality and speed, then more complex equipment is needed, but simple manual tools cannot handle multiple locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the repair task by providing multiple independent attachment points on the mobile anchor point, allowing technicians to attach pulling tools to multiple dents simultaneously. Each attachment point operates independently, enabling parallel processing of multiple repair locations without requiring complex coordination mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile anchor point is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different pulling tools and configurations simultaneously. Its multi-functional design allows it to serve as a single centralized system that replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate manual tools and anchor points, achieving complex multi-location repairs through a relatively simple unified device
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 system enables more efficient and effective dent removal by providing a stable anchor point for dent pulling tools, reducing manual effort and increasing the speed and quality of the repair process, even for larger or deeper dents.
Implementation Method 1
A mobile anchor point for a dent removal tool which uses the weight of the automobile or vehicle which is being repaired as the counterweight to provide the anchor
Data Source
AI summary
A novel dent-puller assisting apparatus, system, and method are disclosed herein. The invention provides a stable anchor point for the attachment of a variety of mechanisms to be used in the process of straightening or repair of car body panels. The invention is designed to require a minimum number of parts and connections, be easy to install and operate, and have sufficient flexibility to accomplish the required ends.