Spring Element Floor Grinding Machine for Mark-Free Surface Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing floor grinding machines are inadequate for universally processing surfaces, as they either require multiple tools for different tasks or are unsuitable for applications between rough processing and fine surface preparation, particularly failing to effectively handle wooden surfaces without leaving marks.

Innovation Solution

A floor grinding machine equipped with spring elements that adjust their deflection and load to vary the processing intensity, allowing a single tool to handle dirt removal and unevenness leveling on various surfaces, including wooden floors, by applying abrasive materials directly to the flexible spring elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If elastic covering (foam, rubber) is used to attach grinding tools, then the machine adapts well to even and fine surfaces, but the flexible fastening makes it impossible to intensively process the floor and leaves unwanted marks when pressure is applied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to even and fine surfacesVSAvoidintensive processing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the tool holder system movable and adjustable. The tool holder can be positioned at different distances from the abrasive layer, allowing dynamic adjustment between gentle processing (for even surfaces) and intensive processing (for uneven surfaces). This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to adapt its rigidity and contact pressure based on the processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of contact pressure and tool position dynamically. By adjusting the distance between the tool holder and abrasive layer, the system can vary the effective pressure applied to the surface. This allows intensive processing when needed while preventing unwanted marks during gentle processing, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If high pressure is applied to compensate for unevenness with elastic reaction, then unevenness can be addressed, but the frictional resistance increases and individual tools tilt in the elastic covering leaving unwanted marks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompensation for unevennessVSAvoidunwanted marks and tool tilting
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the tool holder system dynamically adjustable rather than statically fixed in elastic covering. The tool holder can be positioned at controlled distances from the abrasive layer, allowing precise control over contact pressure. This dynamic positioning prevents tool tilting and unwanted marks while still enabling compensation for unevenness through controlled pressure application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a tool holder as an intermediary between the abrasive tools and the elastic covering. This intermediary component provides a stable mounting structure that prevents tool tilting, while still allowing controlled pressure application through adjustable positioning. The tool holder mediates between the need for pressure compensation and the need to prevent harmful tool tilting and marking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single tool is designed to handle both dirt removal and unevenness leveling, then versatility is improved, but the tool must accommodate conflicting requirements for gentle and intensive processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-functionality for dirt removal and unevenness levelingVSAvoidadjustment mechanism for processing intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the tool holder position adjustable rather than fixed. This allows a single tool to dynamically adapt between gentle processing (for dirt removal) and intensive processing (for unevenness leveling) by changing the distance between the tool holder and abrasive layer. The dynamic adjustment mechanism enables multi-functionality without requiring multiple separate tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a universal tool that can perform both dirt removal and unevenness leveling through adjustable positioning. The tool holder system provides a unified structure that accommodates different processing intensities by varying the contact pressure and tool position, thus achieving multi-functionality with a single tool design.

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

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

Enables efficient and versatile surface processing across different surfaces, preventing unwanted marks by adjusting the force distribution and intensity of processing, allowing for both gentle and intensive treatments with a single tool.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element (1) which is attached to the base (10, 20) in a springy manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an abrasive covering (2) which is applied to the resilient part (6) of the spring element (1) in a force-fitting manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentEP3059060B1Grinding machine for floors
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 AIRTEC AG
  • EP3059060B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3059060B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3059060B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A spring element 1 for a soil cultivation machine is presented, which compensates for the contact pressure on the surface being worked by manual or mechanical lowering. This is achieved with a spring element 1 consisting of a holder 5 and a spring 4. The spring element 1 is fixedly but detachably connected to a base, which can be a disc 10 or a drum 20, via the holder 5. An abrasive coating 2 is attached to the spring element 1, specifically to the springing part 6. The spring 4 compresses within a range A of 2-6 mm under a load of 4-10 kg.