Rolling Sanding Tool Support with Radial Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sanding and grinding equipment for walls and ceilings is limited in its ability to efficiently cover large surfaces, particularly vertical walls, due to handling difficulties and operator fatigue, as previous solutions focused mainly on ceiling work and did not adequately address the challenges of working on vertical surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A rolling structure with a height-adjustable column, motor unit, and radial orientation capabilities for sanding tools, allowing for easy positioning and reduced operator fatigue by enabling manual orientation and translation of the sanding tool along a guide column, facilitating work on both ceilings and walls with integrated vacuum functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a sanding tool with motorization is arranged at arm's length for working on larger surfaces, then the amplitude of intervention is improved, but the operator experiences increased fatigue due to the substantial load to be handled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface area coverageVSAvoidoperator fatigue
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A telescopic arm acts as an intermediary between the operator and the sanding tool, allowing the operator to control the tool from a distance while working on large surfaces. This mediator reduces the direct handling load on the operator while maintaining control over the sanding operation across extended areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sanding tool is mounted on a telescopic arm with adjustable extension, allowing dynamic adaptation of the working distance and amplitude. This dynamic structure enables the operator to reach larger surfaces while maintaining ergonomic positioning, reducing fatigue during extended operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a rolling structure supporting a sanding tool is used for ceiling work, then the operator is freed from the loading weight of the tool, but the structure is not suitable for working on vertical walls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator workloadVSAvoidworkspace adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rolling structure is designed with a support means that can orient the sanding tool in multiple directions, enabling it to perform both ceiling work and vertical wall sanding. This multi-functional capability allows a single structure to adapt to different workspace requirements without compromising operator ease of use.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The support means incorporates articulation and orientation capabilities that allow dynamic adjustment of the sanding tool position and angle. This enables the structure to adapt between horizontal ceiling work and vertical wall work, providing versatility while maintaining the benefit of reduced operator workload through the rolling support mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a sanding tool is held manually for work on vertical walls, then the operator can control the tool position, but inappropriate operator attitudes or positioning are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool controlVSAvoidoperator positioning issues
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A support means acting as an intermediary holds the sanding tool for vertical wall work, freeing the operator from directly bearing the tool weight. This mediator enables the operator to control tool position and orientation without maintaining physically demanding attitudes, eliminating positioning issues while preserving precise control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2103381B1Rolling structure supporting at least one sanding tool and similar for working on walls and ceilings
Publication Date: 2011.03.23 MBH DEVELOPPEMENT SARL
  • EP2103381B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2103381B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2103381B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The structure (SR) has a vertical guiding column (14) including an upper end to receive a motor unit (16). A support unit is arranged along the guiding column to support a sanding tool (13), where the support unit is movable in translation on the column by a connection unit e.g. worm, associated to the motor unit and orientable in radial position. The support unit holds a manipulation arm that is manually oriented to orient the tool by an operator for carrying out sanding works to walls and facades.