Pivoting Dual-Base Sander with Latching Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sanders with detachable abrasive-supporting bases are cumbersome to reconfigure and store, as the replacement process is time-consuming and small parts can be easily misplaced, and existing designs do not adequately address these issues.

Innovation Solution

A sander with a pivotally connected base comprising two parts, where the second part can be aligned with the first part in an extended position for increased versatility, and latching means to securely lock the second part in either extended or retracted positions, allowing for easy reconfiguration without the need for tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If detachable bases are used to make the sander more versatile, then adaptability is improved, but the time required for base replacement increases and small parts are prone to being misplaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase configuration versatilityVSAvoidbase replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The base is divided into multiple detachable parts (first base part and second base part) that can be independently configured. The first base part includes a first receiving area and the second base part includes a second receiving area, allowing different combinations and configurations to suit various sanding applications without requiring complete base replacement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base parts are designed with universal connection features including recesses and protrusions that can be mated in different configurations. The same base parts can be used for different receiving areas and sanding applications, eliminating the need for multiple specialized base components and reducing replacement time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If detachable bases are used to increase versatility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple parts and fastening mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase configuration versatilityVSAvoidbase assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base is segmented into modular parts with standardized connection interfaces. Each base part includes specific receiving areas (first receiving area, second receiving area) that can independently accommodate different configurations, simplifying the overall design while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple base parts are merged through integrated connection features where the first base part and second base part can be coupled together through recess-protrusion interfaces. This merging approach reduces the need for separate fastening mechanisms and simplifies the overall base assembly while maintaining configurability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2404701B1Sander
Publication Date: 2013.05.29 TECHTRONIC POWER TOOLS TECHNOLOGY LTD(GB)
  • EP2404701B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2404701B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2404701B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A sander has two abrasive-supporting base parts (15a/15b, 215a/215b, 315a/315b) mounted to an oscillating drive mechanism. The base parts may support a sandpaper sheet, or the like, and are connected to one another in a manner allowing ready reconfiguration for different applications. One of the base parts is connected by a pivoting coupling (16, 216, 316) to the other for movement between extended and retracted positions. Latching means (37, 42, 238, 232, 234, 62, 63, 67, 332, 334, 83, 84, 336) releasably lock the coupling so as to hold the parts in the extended position.