Pivotable Joint Filler Smoothing Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint smoothing tools lack versatility in removing sealant with uniform cross-sectional contours and fail to efficiently accommodate different contour designs, as they are limited by fixed configurations and materials.
Innovation Solution
The tool features pivotally mounted smoothing elements made of elastic material with fork-like structures that can radially detach and reattach, allowing for adjustable locking and a variety of contour designs, including straight and rounded sections, enabling flexible use and easy detachment from the holding element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If smoothing elements are fixed rigidly to the holding element, then structural stability is improved, but versatility and ease of detachment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The smoothing elements are designed with a pivotable connection to the holding element, allowing them to rotate between a working position (parallel to the holding element axis) and a storage position (perpendicular to the axis). This dynamic positioning capability provides both structural stability during use and versatility for different contour designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is divided into modular components: the holding element and multiple interchangeable smoothing elements. Each smoothing element can be independently attached, detached, or repositioned, allowing users to select different contour designs (concave, convex, flat) based on specific sealing requirements, thereby enhancing versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple smoothing elements are added to provide various contour designs, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple smoothing elements with different contour designs (concave, convex, flat) are integrated onto a single holding element. Each smoothing element serves a specific function for different joint types and sealant applications, allowing one tool to perform multiple functions and eliminating the need for separate tools for each contour type.
Solution Approach 2:
The smoothing elements are arranged radially around the holding element axis, with their pivot axes intersecting at the center. This nested radial arrangement allows multiple smoothing elements to be compactly organized in a fan-like configuration, minimizing the tool's overall footprint while maintaining access to all contour designs.
3Ease of operation
If smoothing elements are made of elastic material with fork-like structures, then ease of detachment is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A detent element acts as an intermediary component between the smoothing element's fork-like structure and the holding element. The detent element engages with the fork tines to provide positive locking during use, while allowing easy release when force is applied, simplifying the detachment operation without requiring complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The smoothing elements are made of elastic material that can change its mechanical properties. During attachment, the material is deformed to pass through the retaining recess, then elastically recovers to lock into place. This parameter change (from deformable to rigid) enables easy attachment and detachment while maintaining structural integrity during use.
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
This design allows for efficient removal of sealant with various contour shapes, providing a uniform joint finish and easy reattachment of smoothing elements, enhancing tool versatility and usability.
Implementation Method 1
the material from which the multiple smoothing elements are made is an elastic material. The material can, for example, be a plastic. In the area of the retaining recess and the adjoining through-opening, with which the retaining recess opens to the outside, the smoothing element can have two fork-like structures.
Implementation Method 2
This preferably occurs against the resistance of a detent force.
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~8
Figure 9
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for smoothing pasty materials, particularly those applied to joints, comprising a holding element (1) defining an axis (A) and having a cylindrical holding area (4) arranged between two axial restraint sections (2, 3), and a plurality of smoothing elements (5), each having a holding recess (6) by means of which the smoothing element (5) is pivotably attached to the holding area (4) about the axis (A), wherein a circumferential edge (7) of a contour surface of the smoothing elements (5) has individually shaped smoothing sections (8, 9). For a practical improvement, it is proposed that the smoothing elements (5) can be individually removed from the holding element (1) in a radial direction and reattached. For this purpose, a holding recess (6) is formed as a longitudinal section through a through-opening (10).