Cyclone Dust Collection for Disc Tools Without Vacuum Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dust collection systems for machine tools, particularly those with disc-shaped machining tools, are inefficient in separating dust and chip particles without active extraction, leading to user burden and pollution in enclosed spaces.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool design incorporating a cyclone unit and a chip guide element that redirects dust and chip particles towards the cyclone unit's inlet, enhancing passive separation efficiency and reducing air contamination within the machining space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a vacuum cleaner is connected to the power tool for dust extraction, then dust extraction efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring an additional powered device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust extraction efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dust collection device is integrated directly into the machine tool housing, merging the dust collection function with the existing structure. The cyclone separator and collection container are built-in components rather than separate external devices, eliminating the need for a standalone vacuum cleaner while maintaining effective dust extraction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cyclone separator enables passive dust separation using the natural centrifugal force of the airflow itself, without requiring external power sources. The system uses its own operating energy to separate and collect dust, making it self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on additional powered vacuum cleaners

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If a battery-powered vacuum cleaner is used, then dust extraction capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to handling multiple devices and cumbersome suction hose

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust extraction capabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dust collection device is integrated directly into the machine tool housing, merging the dust collection function with the existing structure. The cyclone separator and collection container are built-in components rather than separate external devices, eliminating the need for a standalone vacuum cleaner while maintaining effective dust extraction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The suction hose and collection container are designed to be easily removable from the machine tool housing. This allows users to quickly detach and empty the collection container without handling complex connections or managing a separate vacuum cleaner device, significantly improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If passive dust separation is used without active extraction, then device complexity is reduced, but dust separation efficiency deteriorates leading to user burden and pollution in enclosed spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoiddust separation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cyclone separator utilizes pneumatic principles by creating a rotating airflow pattern that generates centrifugal force. This pneumatic mechanism passively separates dust particles from the air stream based on density differences, achieving effective dust separation without mechanical moving parts or external power sources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The cyclone separator changes the physical parameters of the airflow by creating a controlled vortex pattern. This transformation of linear airflow into rotational flow generates the necessary centrifugal force for dust separation, enabling passive yet efficient dust collection through parameter modification rather than additional active extraction mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration significantly improves dust separation efficiency, minimizing chip scattering and user exposure to dust, allowing for cleaner operations in enclosed environments without the need for additional vacuum cleaners, thus reducing costs and improving handling flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

The cyclone housing is arranged and designed to cause circulation of the residual cutting chips along with the carrier air along the circumference of the inner wall, while separated residual cutting chips sink, at least partially, due to gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

at least one chip deflector element is provided in the area of the machining tool on the cover, which is at least partially positioned against both end faces of the disc-shaped machining tool and is able to divert the dust and chip particles emitted by the machining tool towards the inlet of the dust collection device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical deflection: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

separated residual cutting chips sink, at least partially, due to gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3330028B1Machine tool with dust collecting device
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 METABOWERKE
  • EP3330028B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3330028B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3330028B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a machine tool (10) with a substantially disc-shaped machining tool (12), for example a saw or grinding machine, wherein the disc-shaped machining tool (12) can be driven by a drive unit of the machine tool and rotates about a rotary axis (16) in the driven state, comprising a cover (14) for the machining tool (12), as well as a dust collection device (20) which is connected to the cover (14) and is provided for collecting and removing dust and chip particles which are generated during machining with the machining tool (12), wherein the dust collection device (20) has an inlet (22), at least one outlet (24, 26) and a cyclone unit (28) for separating the dust and chip particles.Furthermore, the invention is characterized in that at least one chip deflector element (30) is provided in the area of ​​the machining tool (12) on the cover (14), which is able to bear at least partially against both end faces of the machining tool (12) and to divert the dust and chip particles emitted by the machining tool (12) in the direction of the inlet (22) of the dust collection device (20).