Floor grinder and polisher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional floor treatment systems using walk-behind grinding machines with remote power sources face inefficiencies due to inconsistent operator speed, risks from long power cables, and incomplete surface coverage, leading to inconsistent finishes and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A floor grinder-polisher system mounted on a vehicle with multiple grinding heads, a power source, and a controller to independently control rotational speed and vehicle speed, eliminating the need for long cables and ensuring consistent coverage through a staggered, zig-zag pattern of grinding heads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a walk-behind grinding machine with remote power source is used, then the equipment can be operated manually, but long power cables are required creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power source with the vehicle platform, integrating previously separate components (grinding heads, power source, support structure) into a unified system. This eliminates the need for long external power cables by generating power on-site at the grinding location, thereby resolving the safety hazard while maintaining operational capability
2Ease of operation
If operator speed is not controlled consistently, then manual operation is flexible, but inconsistent finishes result
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors and regulates the rotational speed of grinding heads and the vehicle speed, providing feedback control to maintain consistent operational parameters. This ensures uniform grinding depth and finish quality across the entire floor surface, eliminating the variability introduced by manual speed control while preserving operational flexibility
3Productivity
If multiple grinding heads are used to cover larger areas, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle-based platform serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for multiple grinding heads, houses the power source, contains the control system, and acts as the mobile base for the entire operation. This multi-functional integration increases productivity through broader coverage while managing complexity by consolidating components into a single unified system
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 system achieves consistent and efficient grinding or polishing of larger floor surfaces in less time with reduced safety risks and improved finish quality by integrating the power source and support frame with the vehicle, allowing for controlled operation and reduced cable-related hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a grinding and polishing head with a rotating friction surface to engage a floor surface
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for treating a floor surface includes a floor grinder-polisher system including a support frame and a plurality of grinding heads mounted on the support frame, a power source connected to the plurality of grinding heads and configured to supply power to the plurality of grinding heads, a controller configured to control the plurality of grinding heads, and a vehicle connected to the support frame and configured to support the power source. Each grinding head includes a grinding surface configured to rotate and engage a floor surface.