Edge Grinding Fence and Guide Wheel Alignment for Seamless Countertops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge grinding tools for hand grinders are inadequate for creating inconspicuous seams when joining large countertop pieces made of concrete or natural stone, as they fail to ensure precise alignment and secure attachment during the grinding process.
Innovation Solution
An edge grinding tool with a fence plate and grinder holder system that allows for precise alignment and secure attachment to the edge of a workpiece, featuring a centrally located raised fence and guide wheels that engage diverging surfaces on the fence, enabling smooth and secure movement of the grinder over the edge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple edge grinding tool is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and alignment accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fence plate as an intermediary component between the workpiece and the grinder holder. The fence plate includes a centrally located raised fence with diverging side surfaces that engage with guide wheels on the grinder holder, creating a precise alignment mechanism. This intermediary structure ensures accurate edge alignment without requiring complex integration between the grinder and workpiece.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge grinding system is segmented into distinct functional components: the fence plate with its raised fence, the grinder holder with guide wheels, and the adjustment rod. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the fence plate provides alignment reference, the guide wheels ensure smooth movement, and the adjustment rod enables precise positioning, collectively achieving high manufacturing precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the grinder holder is made adjustable, then the adaptability to different workpiece positions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grinder holder incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the adjustment rod that can be manually rotated to change the spacing between the bracket and guide plate. This allows the grinder holder to adapt to different workpiece positions and edge locations. The dynamic adjustment mechanism is achieved through simple rotational movement of the adjustment rod, maintaining relatively low device complexity while providing necessary versatility.
3Stability of the object's composition
If guide wheels are used to engage the fence, then the stability of the grinder holder is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide wheels serve as an intermediary element between the grinder holder and the fence plate. They engage with the diverging side surfaces of the raised fence, providing stable guidance and preventing vertical disengagement of the grinder holder. This intermediary contact mechanism achieves high stability through simple wheel-to-surface engagement, avoiding the need for complex locking or attachment systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An edge grinding tool is disclosed for dressing the edge of a workpiece using a hand grinder. The tool includes an elongated fence plate with a centrally aligned raised fence that has symmetrical, downward-diverging side surfaces. A grinder holder, attachable to various grinder heads via an optional adapter plate, features a guide plate with wheels that engage the fence's diverging surfaces, enabling smooth, controlled longitudinal movement. A second embodiment features a dual-guide plate system with spring-loaded engagement and a lever mechanism, enabling secure, hands-free operation by locking the grinder holder onto the fence. The tool supports different grinder configurations and includes optional wear and friction strips for added stability. The symmetrical fence design enables the fence plate to be rotated and reused on opposing workpiece edges, resulting in seamless joints. This invention improves precision, repeatability, and ease of use in edge dressing applications, especially for stone or concrete countertops.