Dust-Proof Machine Tool Switch Sealing via Elastic Grommet

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional machine tools are unable to effectively prevent dust from entering through the switch and installation hole, leading to damage of internal elements due to dust accumulation during operation.

Innovation Solution

A dust-proof machine tool design featuring a handgrip with a dust-proof cover that seals the aperture around the driving switch using an elastic element and a press portion, preventing dust ingress by latching the driving switch upwards and using convex and concave sections for flexible sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a pressing switch is installed through an installation hole on the handgrip to activate the machine tool, then the machine tool can be easily operated, but dust generated during operation easily enters through the gap between the pressing switch and installation hole, causing damage to internal elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation convenienceVSAvoiddust ingress
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible rubber grommet as a sealing element that fits around the pressing switch. This flexible film structure allows the switch to move for operation while maintaining a dust-tight seal between the switch and the installation hole, preventing dust ingress while preserving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing switch is introduced through a rubber grommet that acts as an intermediary component between the switch and the installation hole. This grommet provides both mechanical support and dust sealing functionality, allowing the switch to pass through while blocking dust particles from entering the internal cavity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the pressing switch is directly installed through the handgrip without additional sealing measures, then the device complexity is low, but dust enters the internal cavity causing damage to high-speed rotating elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidinternal element protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A simple rubber grommet is used as a dust-proof cover that fits over the installation hole and seals around the pressing switch. This flexible shell structure provides effective dust protection while adding minimal complexity to the overall device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The rubber grommet serves as a simple, inexpensive sealing component that can be easily replaced if needed. This low-cost solution provides reliable dust protection without requiring complex or expensive sealing mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 steady operation and extended lifespan of the machine tool by preventing dust from entering through the switch, reducing internal damage and maintaining cleanliness.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic element interposed between the driving switch and the dust-proof cover

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a press portion formed on the circumference of the dust-proof cover where the opening is located to press the handgrip and seal the aperture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical sealing: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS8481877B2Dust-proof machine tools
Publication Date: 2013.07.09 XPOLE PRECISION TOOLS INC
  • US8481877B2 patent drawing
  • US8481877B2 patent drawing
  • US8481877B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A dust-proof machine tool which has a handgrip with an aperture to hold a driving switch movable up and down and a control bar hinged thereon to generate a pivotable stroke to press the driving switch. The handgrip is coupled with a dust-proof cover which has an opening to couple on the driving switch and a press portion formed on the perimeter of the opening to press the handgrip and seal the aperture. Thereby during operation of the machine tool, dust can be prevented from entering the machine tool through the driving switch and the aperture to maintain steady operation of the machine tool and enhance the lifespan thereof.