Handheld Blower Tube Connection for Easier Secure Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing bayonet connection mechanism for portable handheld suction/blower apparatuses is difficult to assemble due to the need for precise rotational alignment, making it challenging to connect the air guide tube correctly, as slight deviations in rotation angle can lead to misalignment without clear indication of the required correction.

Innovation Solution

A two-threaded connection mechanism with pairs of outer and inner thread sections distributed over the periphery, where the sum of individual thread section angular extents is less than the angular extent of the corresponding segment, allowing for a larger angular region for initial alignment and easy passage, and an inclined thread design that provides tactile feedback for rotational correction, facilitating assembly without optical control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a bayonet connection with precise rotational alignment is used, then secure engagement is achieved, but assembly difficulty increases and operator effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure engagementVSAvoidassembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection interface is segmented into multiple thread sections (at least two) distributed around the periphery, allowing the components to be aligned and engaged through a larger angular region rather than requiring precise single-point alignment. This segmentation enables easier assembly while maintaining secure engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The thread sections are designed with asymmetric angular extents where the sum of individual thread section angles is less than the angular segment extent, creating an optimized engagement geometry that facilitates easier alignment and reduces rotational effort during assembly while ensuring reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If a bayonet connection requiring precise rotational alignment is used, then secure engagement is achieved, but assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure engagementVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The thread sections are pre-configured with angular extents that are optimized to facilitate automatic alignment during the insertion process, reducing the need for trial-and-error rotational adjustments and minimizing assembly time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a two-threaded connection with larger angular region is used, then ease of assembly is improved, but connection security may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidconnection security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection parameters are optimized by defining that the sum of angular extents of individual thread sections is less than the angular segment extent, creating a geometric configuration that provides both ease of assembly through larger alignment tolerance and secure engagement through optimized thread engagement geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The thread sections are designed with curved engagement surfaces that facilitate smooth rotational movement during assembly while ensuring progressive and secure engagement, combining ease of operation with connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS8104138B2Portable handheld suction/blower apparatus

Publication Date: 2012.01.31 ANDREAS STIHL AG & CO KG

AI summary

A portable handheld suction/blower apparatus includes a motor-driven blower (1) and at least one air guide tube (3) connected to the blower (1) at a connecting location (2) to conduct flow. The connecting location (2) is configured at least as a double-winding connection (9) which has pairs of outer thread sections (4) of an outer winding (5) and inner thread sections (7) of an inner winding (8). The pairs are distributed about the periphery of the threaded connection. The periphery of the connecting location (2) is subdivided by the number of pairs of thread sections (4, 7) into a corresponding number of angular segments (10). The sum of angular extents (α, β) of a pair of individual thread sections (4, 7) is in total less than an angular extent (γ) of the corresponding angular segment (10).