Sanding Tool Illumination System for Defect Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surface modifying tools, such as hand sanders, lack an effective way to simultaneously inspect and remove defects during the sanding process, requiring separate tools and increasing labor costs, time, and user fatigue due to the separation of sanding and inspection operations.
Innovation Solution
A surface modifying apparatus with an integrated illumination system that projects a beam of light at a consistent and shallow angle, allowing for contemporaneous visual inspection and modification of defects without removing the tool from the surface, using light-emitting diodes that provide sufficient intensity and minimal heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a separate illumination tool is used for inspecting defects, then defect visibility is improved, but operation time and labor cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sanding function and illumination function into a single integrated apparatus. The illumination source is mounted on the sanding device housing and directs light onto the work surface through a transparent or translucent housing portion, allowing the operator to inspect defects while sanding without needing a separate lighting tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The sanding apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: sanding the surface and providing illumination for defect inspection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate tools, reduces operation time, and lowers labor costs while maintaining adequate defect visibility.
2Illumination intensity
If a separate illumination tool is used for inspecting defects, then defect visibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sanding function and illumination function into a single integrated apparatus. The illumination source is mounted on the sanding device housing and directs light onto the work surface through a transparent or translucent housing portion, allowing the operator to inspect defects while sanding without needing a separate lighting tool.
3Illumination intensity
If strong illumination is used to cast shadows of defects, then defect detection is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs LED illumination sources that provide adequate visibility for defect detection while generating minimal heat compared to traditional incandescent lights. The LED technology allows the system to maintain high illumination intensity without excessive temperature rise, solving the contradiction between shadow visibility and heat generation.
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
Enhances efficiency and reduces costs by allowing for immediate inspection and correction of defects during sanding, reducing user fatigue and eliminating the need for separate lighting tools, while maintaining safety and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
using light-emitting diodes that provide sufficient intensity and minimal heat
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are surface modifying apparatus, such as non-motorized and motorized sanding tools, with an illumination system providing an intensity and incidence angle on the working surface that facilitates visual inspection of defects and blemishes on the surface being modified in a safe, low cost, and convenient manner.