Floor surfacing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor surfacing machines, particularly planetary-type machines, lack stability and control when operated remotely, leading to uneven results due to varying frictional forces between grinding heads and the floor, and require significant operator effort to manage independently driven heads.
Innovation Solution
A floor surfacing machine design featuring a frame supported by two wheels, with independently operable planetary and satellite heads driven by separate motors, allowing for remote control via a communication system between control units, and an oscillating mechanism to widen the surfacing path, reducing operator strain and enhancing stability and productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the planetary head and satellite surfacing heads are driven by a single motor through transmission belts and belt pulleys, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and control stability deteriorate due to inability to independently control each head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transmission system into separate independent drive units: one motor for the planetary head and another motor for each satellite surfacing head. This segmentation allows each head to be controlled independently, ensuring uniform surfacing precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
2Ease of operation
If the operator manually propels the floor surfacing machine, then the ease of operation is reduced due to physical effort requirements, but the productivity is maintained through direct control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-propulsion capability where the floor surfacing machine moves itself through an integrated propulsion system with drive wheels and motors. This eliminates the need for manual pushing while maintaining controlled advancement at optimal speeds, thereby improving ease of operation without sacrificing productivity.
3Ease of operation
If remote control is implemented for the floor surfacing machine, then the ease of operation improves by removing manual propulsion requirements, but the stability and control deteriorate due to uncontrolled deviations from varying frictional forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms including sensors that detect frictional forces, wheel slip, and position deviations. This feedback is transmitted to the control system which automatically adjusts motor outputs to compensate for varying conditions, maintaining stable and controlled operation during remote operation despite changes in floor surface characteristics.
4Productivity
If multiple satellite surfacing heads are mounted within the planetary head, then the productivity is improved through wider surfacing width, but the device complexity increases due to additional independent drive requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs separate motor units for each satellite surfacing head, allowing independent control and optimization of each head's operation. This modular segmentation manages device complexity through standardized motor modules while achieving enhanced productivity through the combined width of multiple simultaneously operating surfacing heads.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a floor surfacing machine (1) comprising a frame (2) that is carried by a first wheel (3) and a second wheel (4). The floor surfacing machine (1) further comprises a first motor (6), a handle arrangement (7), at least one planetary head (15) that is rotatably mounted to the frame (2) and at least one satellite surfacing head (19, 20, 21) that is rotatably mounted to the planetary head (15), where the first motor (6) is arranged to propel the planetary head (15). The floor surfacing machine (1) comprises a first control unit (10), and a remote control panel (11) which in turn comprises a second control unit (12) that is arranged to communicate with the first control unit (10). The floor surfacing machine (1) also comprises a second motor (22) that is arranged to propel the satellite surfacing heads (19, 20, 21) such that the planetary head (15) and the satellite surfacing heads (19, 20, 21) are independently operable.