Dual-Use Flooring Tool With Interchangeable Pull And Wedge Bars

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current flooring installation and repair processes require multiple tools for joining flooring elements and removing glued elements, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage to surfaces due to imperfections in tool usage and space constraints.

Innovation Solution

A dual-use flooring installation device with interchangeable tool-ends, comprising a pull bar, wedge bar, and slide hammer unit, which allows for engaging flooring materials and separating glued elements with a single device, minimizing tool usage and damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate tools are used for flooring installation and repair tasks, then each specific function can be performed adequately, but the device complexity and quantity of tools required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidtool quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single flooring installation tool that can perform multiple functions through interchangeable components. The main body accommodates different bit types (spiral bits for groove cutting, flat bits for adhesive removal, etc.), allowing one tool to replace multiple specialized tools while maintaining adequate performance for each specific task

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate tools are used for flooring installation and repair tasks, then each specific function can be performed adequately, but the ease of operation and portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies merging by combining multiple previously separate tools (groove cutter, adhesive remover, trimmer) into a single integrated device. The interchangeable bit system allows these different functions to be merged in one tool, improving portability by reducing the number of separate tools workers must carry and manage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If conventional tools are used for removing glued elements, then the removal function can be achieved, but harmful factors and surface damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval efficiencyVSAvoidsurface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing conventional mechanical scraping tools with a rotary cutting system. The rotating bit with cutting edges mechanically removes adhesive through controlled cutting action rather than scraping, achieving efficient removal while minimizing surface damage through precise control of the cutting process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 device streamlines flooring installation and repair by reducing tool requirements, minimizing surface damage, and optimizing space usage, enhancing efficiency and ease of use for both professionals and DIY users.

Implementation Method 1

a wedge bar defining a wedge at a proximal end and a second connector at a distal end, the wedge configured for insertion between a wall surface or a cabinet surface and a flat material attached thereto

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWedge: Wedge

Implementation Method 2

a slide hammer unit comprising a hammer weight slidable about a shaft, the slide hammer unit defining an adaptor at a proximal end that is configured for removably attaching to one of the first connector of the pull bar and the second connector of the wedge bar

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS11414879B2Dual-use flooring installation device with interchangeable tool-ends

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 WEAVER IV WILLIAM BERNICE

AI summary

Dual-use flooring installation device with interchangeable tool-ends includes a pull bar defining a bend at a proximal end and a first connector at a distal end, the bend configured for engaging an end of a flooring material; and a wedge bar defining a wedge at a proximal end and a second connector at a distal end, the wedge configured for insertion between a wall surface or a cabinet surface and a flat material attached thereto. The device further includes a slide hammer unit comprising a hammer weight slidable about a shaft, the slide hammer unit defining an adaptor at a proximal end that is configured for removably attaching to one of the first connector of the pull bar and the second connector of the wedge bar. In a storage mode, the adaptor is disengaged from the pull bar and the wedge bar.