Non-uniform Blade Holder for Mud Application Tools
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for working with cements, concretes, mastics, and muds are often costly, heavy, and prone to corrosion, with uniform blade geometry resulting in consistent but suboptimal mud flow patterns, requiring skilled craftsmen and additional processing for smooth finishes.
Innovation Solution
A tool design featuring a modular, lightweight, corrosion-resistant housing with a non-uniform blade holder and adjustable blade system, allowing for flexible mud distribution and optimized blade angle to achieve smooth, seamless surfaces with minimal additional processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If uniform blade geometry is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but mud flow pattern quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blade holder is designed with non-uniform geometry, featuring varying thickness and cross-sectional dimensions along its length. This allows different regions of the blade to be positioned at different heights and angles, creating optimized mud flow patterns while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard machining processes.
2Strength
If traditional heavy materials are used, then tool strength is improved, but portability and operational ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tool employs composite construction combining aluminum alloy housing with steel blade holder and stainless steel blade. This material selection provides sufficient structural strength and corrosion resistance while significantly reducing overall tool weight compared to traditional all-steel construction.
3Device complexity
If fixed blade geometry is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different mud flow requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blade holder incorporates an adjustable mechanism allowing the blade position and angle to be modified during operation. This dynamic adjustment capability enables adaptation to different mud viscosities and application requirements without increasing overall device complexity, as the adjustment mechanism integrates into the existing blade holder structure.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional blade holder design is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but surface finish quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blade holder features localized geometric variations including thinned sections and reinforced areas positioned strategically to control blade flexure and positioning. These local modifications are achieved through standard machining operations, providing precise surface finish control without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity or cost.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to construction tools. The present invention includes tools used for applying mastic or mud to a work surface, for example, a flat box mastic applicator tool, blade assembly, and/or blade adjustment system, that have many improvements too numerous to mention all in the Abstract. The flat box mastic applicator may include unique walls. The blade assembly may have a non-uniform cross section, e.g., a blade holder with thinner areas and/or material removed at various locations along its lateral length. The blade holder may have a larger size outer end(s) to withstand bending or braking. The blade holder may have and arched shape, ribs or bumps for holding a blade more firmly, and a ridge or bump at its outer edge to act as a dam. The blade adjustment system may include symmetrical pins or posts and a tapered leaf spring. See further improvements herein.