Patent Application
20240326114
The present invention relates to a device in the automotive repair field. The present invention relates to the field of classification including but not limited to: B24B—machines, devices, or processes for grinding or polishing; dressing or conditioning of abrading surfaces; feeding of grinding, polishing, or lapping agents; B24D—tools for grinding, buffing or sharpening; B24D 15/023—hand tools or other devices for non-rotary grinding, polishing, or stropping rigid; with rigidly-supported operative surface using in exchangeable arrangement a layer of flexible material B24D 15/02—hand tools or other devices for non-rotary grinding, polishing, or stropping rigid; with rigidly-supported operative surface.
There are many scenarios in which cleaning automotive and industrial surfaces uses various conventional methods including sanding and sand blasting. For fine automotive repair, this process is labor intensive process. Existing approaches may not be suitably efficient or effective. Accordingly, there is a need for improved magnetic automotive repair device, and related methods. The present invention addresses this unmet need.
Previous approaches to automotive sanding devices have typically involved fixed configurations that limit the adjustability and versatility of the device. These devices often consist of a sanding block with a handle, but lack the ability to easily modify the stability and control during the sanding process. This limitation can be problematic when trying to achieve precision in paint removal. In some existing sanding devices, the housing is a simple structure with a single structure for retaining sandpaper.
In general, the disclosure provides for an improved magnetic automotive repair device. The magnetic device relates to the automotive repair field. In one aspect, the magnetic device, and related methods relate to a magnetic hand held device used to sand materials off of metal panels such as filers and polyester fillers. For example, the magnetic sanding device is configured for automotive paint removal, employing the use of magnets in conjunction with a sanding block. The magnetic sanding device features magnets that securely attach the sanding block to the metal surface of an automobile. The primary purpose of this magnetic connection is to enhance stability and control during the sanding process. By firmly adhering to the metal surface, the sanding block can effectively and efficiently remove paint from the vehicle, providing a smoother and more controlled sanding experience. This mechanism helps ensure precision in paint removal, making the magnetic sanding device a valuable tool in automotive refinishing and restoration processes.
Conventional sanding blocks devoid of magnetic integration suffer from inherent limitations in stability and control during automotive paint removal procedures. The absence of a magnetic connectivity feature undermines the block's capacity to establish a consistent and secure attachment to the metal surface of the automobile. This deficiency in secure affixation leads to erratic movements and unintended shifts during the sanding process, especially when addressing expansive or contoured surfaces. The resultant lack of stability compromises the precision and uniformity of the paint removal, potentially introducing irregularities in surface texture. Consequently, the absence of magnets in conventional sanding blocks necessitates a heightened level of manual dexterity and expertise on the part of the operator to maintain optimal control throughout the sanding operation. This inherent instability may result in suboptimal paint removal outcomes, requiring additional corrective measures and potentially elongating the refinishing process. Contrastingly, a magnetic sanding device may mitigate these challenges by virtue of their magnetic connectivity, ensuring a steadfast bond between the sanding block and the automotive metal surface. This enhancement in stability facilitates a more controlled and uniform sanding experience, thereby mitigating the aforementioned issues associated with conventional sanding blocks.
The present invention overcomes the limitations of previous sanding blocks devoid of magnetic integration by providing a housing with multiple compartments, an adjustable fastener with a recess and protruding structure, and a retaining structure configured to retain one or more magnets, with a rod and guide rail. These components work together to allow for easy adjustment and positioning of the one or more magnets within the magnetic sanding device, providing a versatile and customizable magnetic field configuration. Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The present disclosure may be better understood, and its numerous features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.
Fabricated from any material such as, high-impact acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, for example, a housing of the magnetic attachment system incorporates a plurality of ribs to ensure structural rigidity and strength. The initially rounded anti-split details can be adjusted for sharper configurations. The top of the pad is flattened to form a circle, with surface indicia details recessed to eliminate tactile interference during sanding. In the initial position, magnetic attraction is at full strength. Each 90-degree clockwise turn diminishes magnet attraction, with a full clockwise turn elevating the magnet by approximately 5 mm, resulting in a threefold increase in distance above the metal.
Detents are omitted as they are deemed unnecessary; user visibility into the disc's position is prioritized. An O-ring is configured to restrict rotation and seals the unit against water ingress. A spring retaining clip is incorporated to prevent inadvertent disc dislodgement. The top and bottom parts are permanently joined through ultrasonic welding, offering a cost-effective alternative to other assembly methods. Ceramic magnets, projected to be economically sourced, are affixed to the plastic holder's interior surface, aligning flush with the outer walls. To mitigate potential vibration or rattling of the magnet assembly, an internal foam pad or, more effectively, the integrated O-ring is proposed as a solution. This meticulous design emphasizes cost-efficiency without compromising functionality or durability, leveraging the economic viability of ceramic magnets and the optimization of the assembly process. Moreover, the integration of a magnetic attachment system of
In an embodiment, the magnetic device 100 described herein utilizes an adjustable fastener 108 to be rotated in increments. For example, each 90-degree clockwise turn of the adjustable fastener 108 results in a reduction of the magnetic attraction compared to the previous position. This incremental reduction allows users to precisely control the strength of the magnetic field based on their specific requirements during the sanding process. A full clockwise turn of the disc causes the magnet to be raised by about 5 mm, for example. This adjustment significantly increases the distance between the magnet and the metal surface, making the magnetic attraction three times weaker than in the lowest position. This capability provides users with a versatile tool that can be adapted to different requirements and surfaces. The user is afforded clear visibility into the position of the disc, allowing for direct observation and control. This transparency enhances the user experience, allowing for intuitive adjustments without the need for detents, contributing to the overall efficiency and user-friendliness of the product.
Further, in implementations the magnetic device 100 incorporates an adjustable fastener 108 with the recess 120 disposed at the first plate wall 200 of a plate 202 where the degree of clockwise rotation directly correlates with a reduction in magnetic attraction. An object such as a screwdriver, for example, may be inserted into recess 120 to facilitate the rotation of the adjustable fastener 108. As the adjustable fastener 108 is turned more clockwise, the magnetic force diminishes incrementally. The rotational range is constrained, with the maximum allowable rotation being slightly less than a full 360 degrees. This limitation is implemented through stops strategically placed within the system to ensure that the magnet assembly is fully constrained within defined parameters. The stops serve as physical barriers or a limiting mechanism that prevents the adjustable fastener 108 from exceeding the predetermined range of rotation. By imposing these constraints, the rotational movement is controlled, allowing the user to modulate the magnetic attraction within a specified and predictable range. This feature enhances the precision and predictability of the magnetic force adjustment, contributing to the overall functionality and user control of the device. The magnetic device 100, further includes one or more protruding members 112 disposed at one or more side walls 114 of the housing 102 as shown in
Typically, the one or more magnets 600 are securely affixed to the retaining structure 502, aligning substantially parallel to the second wall 106. To counteract potential issues related to vibration or rattling within the magnet assembly, an embodiment includes incorporating an absorbing material (not shown). The absorbing material acts as a dampening element configured to absorb and dissipate vibrations to ensure a stable and noise-free operation of the magnetic device 100. However, it is noted that the O-ring 500 itself is a viable solution to counteract these concerns.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to the magnetic device 100, further including: the O-ring 500 is disposed between a portion of the protruding structure 620 of the adjustable fastener 108 and a wall surface of the second compartment 614.
Note that not all of the activities or elements described above in the general description are required, that a portion of a specific activity or device may not be required, and that one or more further activities may be performed, or elements included, in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which activities are listed are not necessarily the order in which they are performed. Also, the concepts have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.
Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims. Moreover, the particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the disclosed subject matter may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. No limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63455074 | Mar 2023 | US |
