Grommet Retaining Element Integrating Filter for Angle Grinder Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power tools, such as angle grinders, face issues with material particles like dust and fibers entering the housing through cooling air, leading to operational disruptions and potential damage due to inadequate filtration systems that are often complex and costly to implement.

Innovation Solution

A filter element is integrated with a grommet holding element on the tool's housing, using existing structural components to provide dual functionality for protecting electrical wires and ensuring filtered air intake, minimizing the risk of air flow obstruction and allowing for easy replacement or cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a filter element is provided as an additional part attached to the housing, then material particles are prevented from penetrating the housing, but the construction becomes complicated and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against material particlesVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is integrated into the grommet holding element, merging two separate components (filter element and grommet holding element) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate filter mounting mechanisms and reduces overall construction complexity while maintaining protection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The grommet holding element is given multiple functions: it holds the grommet, provides cooling air openings, and integrates the filter element. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall construction while achieving comprehensive protection and cooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of repair

If separately provided holding elements are provided for filter elements, then filter elements can be reversibly detached for cleaning, but structural modifications to the housing are required and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter element replaceabilityVSAvoidhousing modification requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is combined with the grommet holding element, which is already a separate component that can be easily attached to and detached from the housing. This eliminates the need for modifications to the housing itself while maintaining the ability to reversibly detach the filter for cleaning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If filter elements are provided as additional parts, then material particles are filtered, but the design becomes less compact and ergonomic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration capabilityVSAvoidcompact design
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is merged with the grommet holding element, eliminating the need for separate filter housings and mounting structures. This integration maintains a compact design while preserving filtration capability, as the filter is incorporated within the existing grommet holding structure rather than adding external bulk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution effectively prevents material particles from entering the tool's housing while maintaining a compact design, ensuring efficient cooling and reducing the risk of damage, with a simpler and cost-effective filtration system.

Implementation Method 1

a filter element (31) for filtering cooling air sucked into an interior of the housing through cooling air openings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a grommet (23) fixed to the housing and surrounding the electric wire (9)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical cushioning: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3109006B1Electric tool, especially an angle grinder, with filter integrated in a cable holder element
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3109006B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3109006B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3109006B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An electric tool (1) is proposed, comprising an electric motor (3), an elongated housing (5) in which the motor (3) is received and held, an electrical conductor (9) for supplying electrical power to the motor (3), a grommet (23) attached to the housing (5) and surrounding the electrical conductor (9), and a grommet retaining element (25) that secures the grommet (23) to the housing (5). Furthermore, a filter element (31) is provided for filtering cooling air drawn into the interior of the housing (5) through cooling air openings (29). The tool (1) is characterized in that the cooling air openings (29) are formed in the grommet retaining element (25) and the filter element (31) is held by the grommet retaining element (25). The grommet retaining element (25) thus performs a dual function, holding the grommet (23) on the one hand and the filter element (31) on the other.The filter element (31) can therefore be easily and reversibly mounted together with the nozzle retaining element (29).