Dust Extractor Chute Design for Planer Thicknessers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dust extractors for planers and thicknessers require multiple connection points, one above and one below the upper table, complicating the design and operation.
Innovation Solution
A dust extractor design featuring two chutes connected on the same side of the box, extending at 90 degrees, with a unique threaded connector system and a locking mechanism that ensures proper attachment and prevents operation without the dust extractor, allowing for a single set of connection points on the planer thicknesser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single set of connection points is used for the dust extractor, then the device complexity and installation complexity are reduced, but the adaptability to different operating modes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dust extractor is divided into two separate chutes, each capable of being attached to different positions (above or below the upper table). This segmentation allows each chute to be independently positioned according to the operating mode, while both connect to a single set of connection points on the planer thicknesser, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a vertical arrangement (one above, one below) to a horizontal arrangement (both on the same side). The two chutes are positioned side-by-side on the same side of the box, extending in different directions, which allows both to access the single set of connection points without requiring attachment from opposite sides of the machine.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connection points are used, then the adaptability to different operating modes is improved, but the device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single set of connection points is designed to serve multiple functions: it can accommodate both chutes for dust extraction in different operating modes (planer mode and thicknesser mode). The connection points are universally compatible with both chutes, eliminating the need for separate connection points for each operating mode or chute.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added, then the reliability of proper attachment is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the attachment process itself. When the chutes are properly positioned and attached to the connection points, the locking mechanism automatically engages without requiring additional manual operations. This ensures reliable attachment while maintaining ease of operation, as the user simply needs to attach the chutes rather than separately activate a lock.
Data Source
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AI summary
A planer and thicknesser comprising a frame (26) having a passage way (126) which extends through the frame (26) from one aperture (124) in a wall of the frame (26) to another aperture in a wall of the frame (26); an upper table (20, 28) having a front and rear sections mounted on the frame (26) with a slot (128) between them; a cutting drum (24) rotatably mounted within the frame (26) such that an upper lengthwise section of the periphery of the cutting drum (24) projects upwardly through the slot and a lower lengthwise section of the periphery of the cutting drum (24) projects downwardly into the passage way (126);a motor (100) which rotatingly drives the cutting drum (24) when activated; a lower table (130), substantially parallel to the upper table (20, 28), mounted within the passageway, below the cutting drum (24); and a dust extractor capable of being connected below the upper table (20, 28) when the upper table (20, 28) is being used to support a work piece and capable of being connected above of the upper table (20, 28) when the lower table is being used to support a work piece, and which comprises a box (2), which forms a chamber (10), having an aperture (8) formed through a first side of the box (2) which faces the bottom of the cutting drum (24) when connected below the upper table (20, 28) and faces the top of the cutting drum (24) when connected above the top surface of the upper table (20, 28); characterised in that the dust extractor comprises two chutes (4, 6) which are connected to a second side of the box (2) and which project away from the box (2), each chute (4, 6) forming a passageway (12, 14) which connects to the chamber (10).