Vacuum cleaner for a power tool

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dust extraction devices for hand-held power tools face challenges in maintaining high suction capacity over extended periods and effectively cleaning filters, leading to reduced performance and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A dust extraction device with a filter cleaning unit that employs a shock element to apply a shock-like force to the filter unit, combined with a spring element and actuating mechanism for manual or automatic operation, ensuring effective filter cleaning and maintaining suction capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If the filter cleaning unit uses a shock element to apply shock-like force directly to the filter unit, then the suction capacity is maintained over longer periods, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction capacity durationVSAvoidfilter cleaning unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shock element is designed to generate shock-like forces that mechanically impact the filter unit, dislodging accumulated dust and debris. This vibration-based cleaning mechanism effectively restores filter permeability and maintains suction capacity over extended operational periods, directly resolving the contradiction between duration of action and device complexity by providing a targeted mechanical solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The filter cleaning unit operates periodically rather than continuously, with the shock element being actuated at intervals to clean the filter. This periodic operation reduces energy consumption and minimizes the complexity of the cleaning mechanism while still effectively maintaining suction capacity throughout extended use, as the filter only requires intermittent cleaning rather than continuous attention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If the shock element applies force directly to the filter unit, then filter cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the risk of filter damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidfilter integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shock element is designed to apply cleaning forces locally and selectively to the filter surface, concentrating the cleaning action on areas with accumulated dust while avoiding excessive force on the filter structure itself. This localized approach maintains cleaning effectiveness while protecting filter integrity, as the force is distributed in a controlled manner rather than applied uniformly across the entire filter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The shock element incorporates cushioning features or is designed with controlled force characteristics that prevent excessive impact forces from reaching the filter unit. This beforehand cushioning protects the filter from damage while still delivering sufficient cleaning force, as the cushioning mechanism absorbs excess energy before it can harm the filter structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If the filter cleaning unit is manually operated, then ease of operation is improved, but automation level decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning operation simplicityVSAvoidfilter cleaning automation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter cleaning unit is designed to be operated by the user through simple manual actions, such as pressing a button or pulling a cord, allowing the user to clean the filter themselves without requiring professional service or complex automated systems. This self-service approach improves ease of operation while maintaining sufficient automation through the mechanical shock mechanism, as the device performs the cleaning function automatically once activated by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The solution enables sustained high suction capacity and efficient filter cleaning, ensuring prolonged device performance and convenience through manual or automatic operation.

Implementation Method 1

the filter cleaning unit having a spring element which applies a force to the shock element in the direction of the filter unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the shock element being designed to apply a shock-like force directly to the filter unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP3626391B1Vacuum cleaner for a power tool
Publication Date: 2022.01.19 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3626391B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3626391B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3626391B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a dust extraction device (36) for a hand-held power tool (10), comprising a housing (38), a mechanical interface (46) for detachably connecting the dust extraction device to the hand-held power tool, a dust collection chamber (58) connected to a filter unit (68), and a filter cleaning unit (86), wherein the filter cleaning unit has a shock element (88) movably mounted in and/or on the housing of the dust extraction device. It is proposed that the shock element be designed to directly impinge a shock force on the filter unit.