Dust collection box

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dust extractor designs require manual cleaning of the filter, which is inconvenient and increases maintenance frequency due to filter blockages.

Innovation Solution

A dust collection box with a mechanism to direct airflow back through the filter during operation, allowing for automatic cleaning by reversing the air flow through the filter, specifically using a rotatable air guide and slider mechanism to facilitate backflushing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual cleaning of the filter is used, then the filter can be cleaned, but maintenance frequency increases and convenience decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter cleaning convenienceVSAvoidmaintenance frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs filter cleaning automatically using the existing airflow from the dust extractor's own operation. The reverse airflow generated during normal dust extraction automatically removes accumulated dust from the filter surface, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing maintenance frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The filter cleaning process occurs continuously during the operation of the dust extractor. The reverse airflow is generated simultaneously with the forward airflow, allowing the filter to be cleaned continuously without interrupting the dust extraction process, thereby reducing overall maintenance frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Reliability

If reverse airflow is generated continuously, then filter cleaning is effective, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidairflow generation energy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous reverse airflow, the system uses the natural operational cycles of the dust extractor. The reverse airflow is generated during normal operation phases when the extractor is already running, utilizing existing energy input rather than adding continuous separate energy consumption for cleaning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The filter cleaning action occurs continuously during dust extraction operation, but without requiring additional energy input beyond what is already needed for dust extraction. The same motor power that drives forward airflow also generates reverse airflow for cleaning, eliminating redundant energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Reduces the need for frequent manual filter cleaning by enabling continuous operation with reduced filter blockages, improving dust extractor efficiency and operator safety by maintaining airflow and debris removal.

Implementation Method 1

the air suction device draws the air together with dust from within shroud, through the telescopic arm into the dust collection box

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

The air passes then through the filter, whilst the dust is trapped by the filter within the dust collection box

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

directing an air flow back through at least part of the filter in the reverse direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow reversal: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3348349B1Dust collection box
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 BLACK & DECKER CORP
  • EP3348349B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3348349B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3348349B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A dust collection box for a dust extractor comprising: a housing (1020, 1022); a filter (102) mounted within the housing (1020, 1022); a first air inlet chamber (1202) formed within the housing (1020, 1022); an air inlet aperture (1030) in a wall of the housing (1020, 1022) which connects to the first air inlet chamber (1202) through which air is capable of being drawn into the first air inlet chamber (1202); a second air outlet chamber (1044) formed within the housing (1020, 1022); an air outlet aperture (1032) formed in the wall of the housing (1020, 1022) which connects to air outlet chamber (1044) through which air is capable of being drawn out of the air outlet chamber (1044) by a vacuum source; a third air intermediate chamber (1046) formed in the housing (1020, 1022); the air inlet chamber (1202) and the air outlet chamber (1044) being connected by a first part (1080) of the filter(102) which is located between the air inlet chamber (1202) and the air outlet chamber (044) so that air can pass between the air inlet chamber (1202) and the air outlet chamber (1044) via the first part (1080) of the filter (102); the air inlet chamber (1202) and the air intermediate chamber (1046) being connected by a second part (1210) the filter (102) which is located between the air inlet chamber (1202) and the air intermediate chamber (1046) so that air can pass between the air inlet chamber (1202) and the air intermediate chamber (1046) via the second part (1210) of the filter (102); a valve (1048) located between and connected to the air intermediate chamber (1046) and the air outlet chamber (1044) through which air must pass in order to move between the air intermediate chamber (1046) and the air outlet chamber (1044); an ambient air aperture (104) formed in the wall of the housing (1020, 1022) which connects to the valve (1048) through which ambient air is capable of being drawn into the valve (1048); wherein the valve (1048) is capable of being switch between a first position where air can freely pass between the intermediate chamber (1046) and the air outlet chamber (1032), the valve (1048) sealing the ambient air aperture (1034) with no air being able to pass through the ambient air aperture (1034); and a second position where the ambient air aperture (1034) is open and air can freely pass between the intermediate chamber (1046) and the ambient air aperture (1034) whilst preventing any from passing between the air intermediate chamber (1046) and the air outlet chamber (1044).