In construction, especially when working with concrete, it’s important to remove air pockets and get a smooth finish. Traditionally, this is done by inserting vibrating tools directly into the wet concrete (called immersion or poker vibrators), which is hard to manage in tight spaces or when steel reinforcement is dense. External vibration devices exist but are often bulky, hard to mount, and expensive.
Solution
This invention is a simple, lightweight attachment for a hammer drill that vibrates the outside of concrete molds (called formwork) to smooth the concrete inside. It avoids the need for immersion tools or heavy external vibrator systems. The user simply connects the attachment to a regular hammer drill and presses it against the formwork. The drill’s percussive force is transferred through the attachment to create external vibration.
What’s Innovative
The key novelty is the clever design of the attachment: the vibration is redirected sideways (transversely), enabling the user to apply vibration at various angles and over a wide surface. The output head has a curved contact area and hollow sections reinforced with ribs—making it both strong and light. The connecting shaft is also specially shaped to deliver consistent vibration while making the tool easy to hold and use in different orientations.
Benefits
- Quick and easy to use with any hammer drill
- Lightweight but durable design
- Works in tight or hard-to-access areas
- Reduces damage to reusable timber formwork
- Improves concrete quality with minimal effort
Broader Impact
This invention makes high-quality concrete finishing more accessible and less labor-intensive, particularly for small contractors or in field conditions. It may also reduce equipment costs and simplify site setup, making construction processes more efficient and scalable—especially in developing regions or remote projects. It could also be adapted for other uses like unclogging concrete pumps.