Mobile Dent Pulling Anchor for Simultaneous Multi-Tab Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dent repair methods are labor-intensive and inefficient, particularly for larger or deeper dents, as they require sequential pulling and lack the ability to apply simultaneous pulling force across multiple points.
Innovation Solution
A mobile anchor point apparatus, including a floor-mounted gantry and a mobile workstation, provides a stable anchor for dent removal tools, allowing simultaneous application of pulling force across multiple points using the vehicle's weight as a counterweight or through a winch system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a slide hammer or similar tool is used to pull dents out, then larger or deeper dents can be removed, but the technician is limited to pulling at one location at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the dent repair process into multiple independent pulling points that can be operated simultaneously. Instead of using a single slide hammer at one location, the system employs multiple pullers attached to different tabs on the dent, allowing parallel operation and significantly increasing repair speed while maintaining sufficient pulling force at each point.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple pulling operations into a single integrated system. Multiple pullers are attached to the same dent structure and can be operated together, merging their effects to efficiently remove large or deep dents that would otherwise require sequential processing.
2Productivity
If multiple tabs are pulled concurrently to improve repair quality and speed, then efficiency increases, but existing tools only allow one location to be pulled at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal dent removal system that can handle multiple tabs simultaneously through a single apparatus. The mobile workstation with multiple puller attachment points provides multi-functionality, allowing technicians to work on several dent locations or multiple tabs on the same dent concurrently, thereby improving efficiency without significantly complicating the operation.
3Force
If larger strips or tabs are used for deeper dents, then greater pulling force is required, but this increases the complexity of the repair process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs the vehicle's own weight as a counterweight to provide the necessary anchoring force for pulling deep dents. The mobile workstation is positioned under the vehicle, and the vehicle's weight creates a stable anchor point that allows large strips or tabs to be pulled with sufficient force without requiring complex external anchoring systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel dent-puller assisting apparatus is 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 portable and easily transported, and have sufficient flexibility to accomplish the required ends.