Tripod Support Structure for Pole Sander Weight Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool handling structures for sanding operations, such as those described in US-A-1,674,669 and DE 299 19442, are complex, lack adaptability, and cause operator fatigue due to weight and limited visibility, hindering efficient work under ceilings or on limited surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A tripod-based support structure with rolling means and a telescopic tube, allowing adjustable positioning and orientation, integrated with a vacuum unit and accessory storage, providing stability, adaptability, and ease of handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a complex rolling support structure with deformable parallelograms is used, then the sanding machine can be supported, but the structure becomes difficult to manipulate and position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manipulationVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into modular components: a telescopic column for height adjustment, a triangular support base for stability, and a separate cradle assembly for holding the sanding machine. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying overall manipulation compared to integrated complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex deformable parallelograms to achieve adaptability, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple triangular base with fixed geometry that provides inherent stability and adaptability through its geometric properties, eliminating the need for complex mechanical deformation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a horizontal base support structure is used, then stability is provided, but adaptability to different work conditions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adaptabilityVSAvoidbase stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure incorporates dynamic elements including a telescopic column that allows height adjustment, and a cradle that can be positioned at different locations along the column. This dynamic capability enables adaptation to various work conditions while maintaining stability through the triangular base geometry and rolling wheels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The triangular support base serves multiple functions: it provides structural stability, acts as a mounting platform for the telescopic column, and offers a broad support area for the cradle. This multi-functionality achieves both stability and adaptability without requiring separate specialized components.

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

3Ease of operation

If the sanding machine is held at arm's length, then sanding work can be performed, but operator fatigue increases rapidly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling easeVSAvoidwork duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure acts as an intermediary device that transfers the weight of the sanding machine from the operator's arm to the ground through the telescopic column and triangular base. This mediation eliminates the need for the operator to hold the machine at arm's length, significantly reducing fatigue and enabling longer work durations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the operator works under the ceiling, then sanding can be performed, but visibility of the work area is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidwork accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic column extends vertically in the height dimension, allowing the cradle to be positioned at various heights above the work area. This vertical dimensionality change enables the operator to view the work area from above, improving visibility while maintaining accessibility for ceiling sanding operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP1800796B1Support structure for a pole sander
Publication Date: 2009.04.01 MBH DEVELOPPEMENT SARL
  • EP1800796B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1800796B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1800796B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The structure has a tripod with front arms (10a, 10b) arranged at an end of a column (10c) receiving a telescopic rod (11) and presenting a profiled rear arm (10d) receiving support units storing accessories. The front arms are arranged in the form of V-shape with respect to each other and are inclined angularly with respect to the column. The tripod receives a plate at its base, where the plate receives a vacuum cleaner block with a generator power unit for supplying power to a long reach sanding machine (16). A stirrup (13) supports an articulated and orienting cradle of the sanding machine.