Dual-Edge Grout Removal Tool With Depth Control Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tools for removing grout and masonry trenching are labor-intensive, risk damaging surfaces due to lack of depth control, and struggle with confined spaces, leading to operator fatigue and potential damage to masonry integrity.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a first cutting blade and depth control guide for precise grout removal, allowing pivoting to a secondary cutting edge for accessing confined areas without obstruction, ensuring controlled depth penetration and minimizing surface damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single cutting blade is used for grout removal, then the tool structure is simple, but the operator must maintain constant concentration to prevent surface damage and the tool cannot access confined spaces effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting blade is segmented into multiple edges (first cutting edge and second cutting edge) that can be selectively used. The first cutting edge is used for general grout removal with depth control, while the second cutting edge is designed for confined spaces where the guide would obstruct. This segmentation allows the tool to handle different situations without requiring constant operator concentration adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool incorporates a guide that can be dynamically positioned or configured based on the working conditions. The guide provides depth control when needed but can be adjusted or positioned to not obstruct the second cutting edge when working in confined spaces, making the tool adaptable to different operational requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a depth control guide is added to prevent surface damage, then surface protection is improved, but the tool cannot access confined locations
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting blade is divided into multiple edges with different functions. The first cutting edge works with the depth control guide for protected grout removal in accessible areas, while the second cutting edge is specifically designed for confined spaces where the guide would obstruct, allowing the tool to maintain versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed with multi-functionality to handle both open areas and confined spaces. By incorporating multiple cutting edges and a configurable guide system, the same tool can perform depth-controlled grout removal in accessible areas and unrestricted cutting in confined spaces, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools.
3Device complexity
If manual grout removal is used, then tool complexity is low, but significant effort and time are required leading to operator fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The tool merges multiple functions into a single device: depth control guidance, multiple cutting edges for different scenarios, and structural support all in one integrated tool. This combination provides power tool-level efficiency and productivity while maintaining relatively simple construction, reducing operator fatigue without sacrificing functionality.
4Productivity
If the cutting blade penetrates deeper to remove all grout, then complete grout removal is achieved, but the masonry surface integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The depth control guide provides continuous feedback to the operator about the penetration depth of the cutting blade. The guide's physical structure prevents the blade from penetrating beyond a safe depth, providing tactile and visual feedback that ensures complete grout removal while protecting the masonry surface integrity from damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for dislodging grout from a joint between two adjacent planar surfaces, or for removing a strip of material from a masonry surface including, a generally elongate body having a lower portion dimensioned to fit at least partially within a channel created by a first cutting tip of a first blade or edge, the first cutting tip forwardly facing for impinging upon and dislodging material, a guide forward of said first blade or edge for controlling the depth to which said first blade or edge penetrates said grout or said masonry surface, and a front portion of said tool being curved upwardly, said front portion including a second blade or edge having a leading secondary cutting tip, whereby the rear of the tool may be pivoted upward about the leading edge of said tool to utilise said secondary cutting tip to dislodge said material without being inhibited or obstructed by said guide.