Sanding Machine Base with Spherical Wheels and Adjustable Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable and semi-portable sanding and grinding machines lack a stable base, making it difficult for operators to maintain constant pressure and angular position on flat surfaces, leading to imperfections in machined surfaces due to manual control and torque issues.
Innovation Solution
A base with swivelling spherical wheels and adjustable supports that allow the tool to maintain constant pressure and angular position, enabling even weight distribution and easy movement, featuring a body with at least three supports arranged around a circumference and a cover with a bushing system for height and angular adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If portable sanding machines are used without a base, then the machine structure remains simple and lightweight, but the operator cannot maintain constant pressure and angular position on flat surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into separate functional components: a support structure with multiple legs, swivelling wheels for mobility, and an adjustable mechanism for positioning the tool. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base incorporates dynamic elements including swivelling wheels that can rotate freely to facilitate movement in any direction, and an adjustable support mechanism that allows the tool position to be modified. These dynamic features enable the operator to maintain constant pressure and angular position while moving the machine.
2Ease of operation
If semi-portable sanding machines are equipped with a base and guiding handle, then the machine becomes easier to guide, but the operator must exert considerable force to press on the handle and maintain constant pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure with its weighted support legs and swivelling wheels creates a self-stabilizing system that maintains constant pressure on the surface without requiring continuous manual adjustment. The geometry of the support legs and the distribution of weight provide automatic pressure regulation, reducing the operator's physical effort.
3Device complexity
If the base uses fixed supporting wheels, then the structure is simple, but the machine cannot move easily in multiple directions on flat surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The use of spherical wheels instead of conventional fixed wheels enables the machine to move in any direction with a single pushing motion. The spherical geometry allows the wheel to rotate and swivel simultaneously, providing omnidirectional mobility without requiring complex steering mechanisms or multiple wheel orientations.
4Device complexity
If the tool position is fixed relative to the base, then the base structure is simple, but the tool cannot be adjusted to maintain optimal pressure and angle for different machining operations
Solution Approach 1:
The support legs incorporate adjustable mechanisms that allow the relative position of the tool to the base to be modified. This dynamic positioning capability enables the operator to adjust the tool's pressure and angle for different machining operations while maintaining the overall simplicity of the base structure.
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 base ensures consistent pressure and angular stability, reducing operator effort and improving machining precision by allowing for easy adjustment of the tool's position and movement, resulting in smoother, defect-free surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
said supports being provided with swivelling spherical wheels
Implementation Method 2
a bushing, mounted at least at one of the supports, able to translate vertically along a substantially vertical axis, inside said bushing there being placed the ball
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a base for sanding machines, grinding machines or the like comprising a body (10) connectable to a machine (M) or integral therewith, said body (10) being provided with at least three supports (P) arranged in such a manner that their ends (P') lie on a plane (L) and configured in such a manner that at least one tool (T) of the machine projects at least partly beyond said plane (L) by a portion (D), said body (10) being provided with means adapted to vary the position of said plane (L) with respect to said tool (T).