Mobile Dent Pulling Anchor for Multi-Point Car Body Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dent repair methods are labor-intensive and inefficient, especially for larger or deeper dents, as they require significant manual effort and limited simultaneous pulling capabilities, hindering the quality and speed of the repair process.
Innovation Solution
A mobile anchor point system that includes a floor-mounted gantry and a mobile workstation using the vehicle's weight as a counterweight, allowing for the attachment of conventional pulling tools and enabling the simultaneous removal of multiple dents by distributing the pulling force effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a slide hammer or similar tool is used to pull out larger or deeper dents, then the pulling force is increased, but the technician is limited to pulling at one location at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the dent repair task into multiple independent pulling operations that can be performed simultaneously. Multiple glue tabs are attached at different locations on the vehicle body, each connected to its own pulling mechanism, allowing parallel processing of multiple dents or multiple tabs on the same dent area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple pulling operations into a single integrated system. The mobile anchor point provides a common reference frame that coordinates multiple pullers working simultaneously, merging their forces and actions into a coordinated repair process that maintains control while increasing productivity.
2Productivity
If multiple tabs are pulled concurrently to improve repair quality and speed, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile anchor point serves multiple functions: it provides a stable reference frame, coordinates multiple pulling operations, and can accommodate various types of pullers and glue tabs. This universal platform handles diverse repair scenarios without requiring separate specialized equipment for each task.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile anchor point acts as an intermediary between the multiple pullers and the vehicle body. It provides a common coordination point that simplifies the control of multiple simultaneous pulling operations, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from managing multiple independent tools.
3Device complexity
If traditional dent repair methods are used, then the equipment simplicity is maintained, but the labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the vehicle itself to participate in the repair process by providing reaction forces through its structure. The vehicle's own weight and structural rigidity are utilized to counterbalance the pulling forces, reducing the need for external anchoring equipment and simplifying the overall system while maintaining ease of operation.
4Force
If larger strips or tabs are used for deeper dents, then the pulling force requirement increases, but the precision of dent restoration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different pulling forces and configurations to different locations based on the specific dent characteristics. Each glue tab can be sized and positioned appropriately for its local area, allowing optimized force application that restores each dent precisely without affecting adjacent areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile anchor point system provides a stable reference frame that enables real-time monitoring and adjustment of pulling forces. The coordinated control of multiple pullers allows for feedback-based adjustment of force magnitude and direction, ensuring precise restoration of each dent while maintaining overall structural integrity.
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 system enhances the efficiency and quality of dent repair by providing a stable anchor point for dent removal tools, reducing manual labor and increasing the speed of the repair process, especially for larger or deeper dents.
Implementation Method 1
A second embodiment provides a mobile anchor point for a dent removal tool which uses the weight of the automobile or vehicle which is being repaired as the counterweight to provide the anchor
Data Source
AI summary
A novel dent-puller assisting apparatus, system, and method are disclosed herein. The invention provides a stable anchor point for the attachment of a variety of mechanisms to be used in the process of straightening or repair of car body panels. The invention is designed to require a minimum number of parts and connections, be easy to install and operate, and have sufficient flexibility to accomplish the required ends.