Modular Grinding Machine Docking Interface Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand grinders lack a secure and comfortable connection between the drive housing and the grinding device, leading to instability and difficulty in operation, especially when using different grinding pads or drive devices with varying performance classes.
Innovation Solution
A modular design featuring a docking interface with axial form-fitting elements, such as fixing recesses and inclined surfaces, that securely connects the grinding device to the drive device, allowing for easy assembly and use of various grinding pads and drive devices, while maintaining a compact and ergonomic form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular interface device with separate connecting housing unit is used, then adaptability and ease of assembly are improved, but connection stability and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device is divided into separate components: a drive housing with docking interface and a connecting housing unit that can be attached to various grinding devices. This segmentation enables modular assembly while the docking interface provides secure connection through integrated locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking interface integrates multiple connection functions into a single unified structure that combines mechanical coupling, axial positioning, and rotational alignment. This merging ensures stable connection while maintaining modular adaptability between different grinding devices and drive units.
2Volume of moving object
If the docking interface projection lies entirely inside the drive housing, then compactness and ergonomic form factor are improved, but ease of assembly and operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The projection of the docking interface is positioned within the drive housing, creating a nested arrangement where the connecting housing unit fits into the drive housing structure. This nesting achieves compactness while the axial form-locking elements provide clear assembly guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial form-locking elements (fixing recesses and inclined surfaces) enable self-aligning and self-locking connection without requiring external tools or complex assembly procedures. The geometric features guide the connecting housing unit into proper position and maintain secure connection.
3Reliability
If axial form-locking elements are used for positive fit, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional multi-component mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips, latches) are replaced with a simplified axial form-locking interface using integrating geometric features. The fixing recesses and inclined surfaces create positive fit through pure geometric interlocking, reducing part count while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking interface uses uniform geometric features (fixing recesses, inclined surfaces, projection) that are integrated directly into the housing structures. This homogeneous geometric language simplifies the design compared to mixed fastening systems, reducing complexity while ensuring reliable connection.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hand-held grinding machine with at least one grinding device (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d) for receiving or forming an abrasive (13a; 13b; 13c; 13d), with a drive device (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d) for driving the grinding device (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d), with a drive housing (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d) accommodating the drive device (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d), and with an interface device (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d) for operatively connecting the grinding device (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d) with the drive device (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d), wherein the interface device (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d) at least one connecting housing unit (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) formed separately from the drive housing (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d) and the grinding device (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d) for at least partial reception of the grinding device (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d) and a docking interface (22a; 22b;22c; 22d) comprising the connecting housing unit (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) encompassing the docking interface (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d) in a fixing plane (27a; 27b; 27c; 27d) perpendicular to a rotation axis (24a; 24b; 24c; 24d) of a drive shaft (26a; 26b; 26c; 26d) of the drive device (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d). It is proposed that the docking interface (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d) in the fixing plane (27a; 27b; 27c; 27d) shall have at least one axial form-fit element (28a, 29a, 30a, 32a; 28b, 29b, 30b, 32b; 28c, 29c, 30c, 32c; 28d, 29d, 30d, 32d) designed in particular as a fixing recess (34a, 36a; 34b, 36b; 34c, 36c; 34d, 36d) and/or as an inclined or concave surface to form a form-fit connection with the connecting housing unit (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) having a projection of the at least one axial form-locking element (28a, 29a, 30a, 32a; 28b, 29b, 30b, 32b; 28c, 29c, 30c, 32c; 28d, 29d, 30d, 32d) along the axis of rotation (24a; 24b;24c; 24d) lies at least substantially entirely inside the drive housing (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d).;