Self-aligning Tool Guide for Ceiling Drilling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The drilling of holes in suspended ceilings for technical installations is time-consuming due to the need for frequent ladder repositioning and the challenge of maintaining tool alignment on uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning tool guide with a holder, lifting mechanism, and self-balancing chassis, equipped with sensors and a steering system, which dynamically stabilizes the tool guide on one or two wheels, aligns the tool axis by counteracting lateral deflections and inclinations, and includes a power supply system to prevent balance loss from low battery levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ladder is used to reach the ceiling for drilling, then the user can access high ceilings, but the process becomes time-consuming due to frequent ladder repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a self-balancing chassis with active stabilization systems that automatically adjust to maintain equilibrium during movement and operation. The chassis transitions from static ladder support to dynamic self-balancing mobility, allowing continuous movement without repositioning interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-balancing chassis performs self-service through automated balance correction mechanisms including sensors and actuators that continuously adjust the chassis position without external intervention, eliminating the need for manual ladder repositioning by the operator.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tool is freely oscillating to avoid transverse forces on uneven surfaces, then the tool adapts to surface variations, but the tool alignment becomes erroneous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through sensors that detect the actual orientation and position of the tool relative to the ceiling surface, continuously transmitting this information to the control system which adjusts the tool holder orientation to maintain precise alignment despite surface variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-balancing chassis uses counterweight mechanisms and active stabilization forces to counteract the effects of uneven surfaces and transverse forces, maintaining the tool axis vertically aligned opposite to the lifting axis despite external disturbances.
3Weight of moving object
If the tool guide is constructed compactly with fewer assemblies, then the device becomes lighter and more maneuverable, but the stabilization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the self-balancing chassis to perform multiple functions including mobility, active stabilization, tool positioning, and alignment maintenance within a single integrated platform, reducing the need for separate assemblies while managing complexity through functional integration.
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 tool guide significantly reduces the time and effort required for drilling by maintaining stable alignment and ensuring upright standing, even on uneven surfaces, while alerting users to low battery levels to prevent tool instability.
Implementation Method 1
A center of gravity sensor is configured for detecting a lateral deflection of the center of gravity of the lifting mechanism in relation to the wheel axis
Implementation Method 2
The steering system is configured in order to activate the drive to output a torque counteracting the deflection
Implementation Method 3
The lifting mechanism has a propulsion system for raising the holder parallel to a lifting axis with a lifting force
Data Source
AI summary
A self-aligning tool guide has a holder for securing a portable power tool for working on a ceiling, a lifting mechanism, and a self-balancing chassis. The holder is mounted on the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism has a propulsion system for raising the holder parallel to a lifting axis. The self-balancing chassis has two wheels on a wheel axis and a drive coupled to the two wheels. A sensor serves for detecting a contact pressure of the holder, the contact pressure acting in the direction of gravitational force. The control station activates the propulsion system depending on the detected contact pressure.