Dust Port Collar Locking Mechanism for Secure Bag Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tools with dust collection systems, such as orbital sanders, face challenges in maintaining the dust bag securely attached to the tool, as it can be easily pulled away from the dust port axis, especially in passive systems like cloth bags.
Innovation Solution
A dust port connector mechanism featuring castellations on the tool housing and a collar assembly with locking members allows for a secure, non-axially moveable connection of the dust bag to the tool, enabling easy locking with one-hand movement without pre-alignment, using a combination of castellations and locking members for a friction fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a passive dust bag system is used without active locking, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of dust bag attachment deteriorates as the dust bag can be easily pulled away
Solution Approach 1:
The collar assembly is designed to be rotatable relative to the dust port, transitioning from a static connection to a dynamic one. When the user rotates the collar, locking members engage with castellations on the dust port to create a locked position that prevents axial movement. This dynamic mechanism maintains simplicity while significantly improving attachment reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If castellations with pre-alignment requirements are used, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as the user must align components before connection
Solution Approach 1:
The collar assembly includes more castellations than the dust port, creating an excess of engagement points. This allows the collar to be connected to the dust port in multiple rotational positions without requiring precise pre-alignment. The user can simply attach the collar in any position, and the extra castellations ensure that at least one will engage properly, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Reliability
If a locked connection mechanism is added, then the reliability of dust bag attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases with additional locking members and mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The connector mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the collar assembly with locking members, the dust port with castellations, and the elongated portion providing structural support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design simple and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking members are designed to be actuated by the user's natural rotating motion when attaching or removing the dust bag. The ramps on the locking members automatically engage or disengage the castellations based on the direction of rotation, eliminating the need for separate locking actions or complex control mechanisms. The system serves itself through the user's operational movements.
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 ensures the dust bag remains securely attached during use, preventing accidental detachment and simplifying the connection process, enhancing user convenience and tool operation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
using a combination of castellations and locking members for a friction fit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A connector mechanism that connects a dust bag (38) or other accessory to a power tool (10). The connector mechanism including a collar assembly (40) having proximal and distal ends (44, 46), the proximal end (44) engaging the power tool (10) and the distal end (46) comprising a plurality of castellations (54) radially spaced about an interior surface thereof for non-selectively engaging a plurality of castellations (52) on the power tool (10) to establish a mating interface between the collar assembly (40) and the dust port (38); and a plurality of locking members (42) radially spaced about the collar assembly (40) to establish a locking relationship between the collar assembly (40) and the dust port (38).