Dust collector

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Dust collectors can inadvertently start an interlock operation with multiple electric working machines, leading to unintended operation when signals from machines that do not require interlock are received.

Innovation Solution

A dust collector with an interlock operation control portion that uses identification information to determine which electric working machines require interlock operations, allowing only intended machines to initiate the interlock, and includes features for registration and de-registration of identification information to enhance usability and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the dust collector starts interlock operation upon receipt of a single transmitted signal from an electric working machine, then the interlock operation can be initiated easily, but the dust collector may be operated inadvertently by signals from machines that do not require interlock

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of initiating interlock operationVSAvoidreliability of intended interlock operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dust collector transmits an interlock operation start notification signal to the electric working machine when receiving an interlock operation start signal. The electric working machine then transmits an interlock operation end signal when the operation ends, creating a feedback loop that confirms the interlock operation status and prevents inadvertent activation by unauthorized machines

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

An adapter is introduced as an intermediary device that wirelessly transmits operation state signals from the electric working machine to the dust collector. This intermediary enables reliable identification and communication between the dust collector and authorized electric working machines without requiring direct connection, thus preventing inadvertent operation while maintaining ease of use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wireless communication is used for interlock operation detection, then signal lines are not required and cordless machines can be supported, but the risk of receiving signals from unauthorized machines increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with cordless electric working machinesVSAvoidaccuracy of machine identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter serves as a trusted intermediary that establishes wireless communication between the dust collector and electric working machine. It transmits operation state signals and interlock commands through wireless communication, enabling support for cordless machines while maintaining reliable identification through the established communication protocol and feedback mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication system implements feedback by having the dust collector transmit interlock operation start notification signals to the electric working machine, which then responds with operation end signals. This bidirectional feedback ensures accurate machine identification and prevents unauthorized activation while maintaining versatility with cordless devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10994351B2Dust collector
Publication Date: 2021.05.04 MAKITA CORP
  • US10994351B2 patent drawing
  • US10994351B2 patent drawing
  • US10994351B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A dust collector in one aspect of the present invention comprises a dust collection portion, a communication portion, and an interlock operation control portion. When the communication portion receives an interlock command transmitted from an electric working machine, the interlock operation control portion makes the dust collection portion operate interlocking with the electric working machine. The interlock operation control portion includes a storage portion, in which identification information specific to the electric working machine with which the dust collection portion is to be made to perform the interlock operation is stored.