Adjustable Magnetic Tool Stand for Flat and Curved Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic tool stands for power tools and other implements often require cantilevered mounting, which results in instability and the need for larger, heavier magnets to counter tipping moments, and are not easily adaptable for use on both flat and curved surfaces without additional accessories.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic tool stand with on-off switchable magnet units that provide rotational and translational movement, allowing the magnet units to be positioned coplanar for flat surfaces or angled for curved surfaces, eliminating the need for additional accessories and reducing the required magnetic force, thus stabilizing the tool and enabling use on various surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If cantilevered mounting is used to support the tool, then the tool can be positioned for operation, but the stand becomes unstable and requires larger, heavier magnets to counter tipping moments
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet units are made rotatable and translatable relative to the support structure, allowing dynamic adjustment of their orientation and position. This enables the magnets to adapt to both flat and curved surfaces, improving stability without requiring excessive magnetic force or weight
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic system is divided into multiple independent magnet units (first and second magnet units) that can be individually positioned and oriented. This segmentation allows each magnet to independently engage with the workpiece surface, distributing the stabilizing force and reducing the need for overly heavy individual magnets
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional accessories are added to adapt the stand for curved surfaces, then the stand can be used on various surfaces, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet units are designed with inherent multi-functionality, capable of operating on both flat and curved surfaces through their rotatable and translatable mounting. This eliminates the need for separate accessories for different surface types, as the same magnet units adapt to various surfaces through movement and repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic capability of the magnet units to rotate and translate allows a single, unified design to handle multiple surface geometries. The magnets can tilt and reposition themselves to conform to curved surfaces or maintain parallel alignment on flat surfaces, providing universal adaptability without additional components
3Stability of the object's composition
If larger magnets are used to prevent tipping on cantilevered stands, then stability improves, but the stand becomes heavy and cumbersome to handle
Solution Approach 1:
By making the magnet units rotatable and translatable, the system dynamically adapts to surface geometry, allowing smaller magnets to achieve stable engagement on curved surfaces through proper orientation rather than relying on brute force magnetic strength
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple smaller magnet units replace a single large magnet, distributing the stabilizing function across several independent units. This segmentation reduces the weight of individual components while maintaining overall stability through collective engagement with the workpiece surface
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 solution provides a more stable and versatile magnetic tool stand that can securely hold tools on both flat and curved surfaces with smaller, lighter magnets, reducing the risk of tipping and enhancing operational stability and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a first and a second magnet unit (12, 312) for holding the tool stand (10, 110, 210, 310) on a ferromagnetic work piece or support surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A magnetic base for supporting a tool having a work piece engagement component relative to a ferromagnetic body, comprising: at least two magnet units having a working face, each unit adapted to be magnetically attached to the ferromagnetic body; and a support structure coupled to the at least two magnet units and including a mounting structure adapted to secure the tool to the support structure, the support structure having a window in or a cut-out extending into an about centric location of the support structure such that the work piece engagement component of the tool may extend from a first side of the support structure to engage the ferromagnetic body located proximate a second side of the support structure, the second side being opposite the first side, the at least two magnet units being positionable so that they can fit onto a flat surface or a curved surface.