Grooving Machine Housing for Dust Extraction and Particle Containment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grooving machines are inefficient in extracting dust generated during the grooving operation, and there is a need to improve dust suction efficiency while ensuring user safety.

Innovation Solution

A groove cutter housing with an inlet for air intake and an outlet for dust extraction, featuring a protective element and a baffle to inhibit particle ejection and define a flow path, along with a brushless motor to rotate the cutting disc, enhancing airflow for efficient dust removal, and a design that includes a protective element that includes a protective element and a baffle to the groove cutter, which includes a baffle to inhibit the ejection of particles, and a protective element, and a protective element that includes a protective element and a baffle to inhibit the ejection of particles through the inlet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If air inlet is positioned close to the open bottom for dust extraction, then dust removal efficiency is improved, but particle ejection through the inlet increases and user safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust removal efficiencyVSAvoidparticle ejection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into distinct functional zones: the inlet is positioned away from the open bottom to create a separate air intake zone, while the dust extraction outlet is positioned to optimize dust removal. This spatial segmentation allows independent optimization of dust extraction efficiency and particle ejection prevention without compromise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A protective element is introduced as an intermediary component between the inlet and the cutting environment. This element acts as a barrier that prevents particles from being ejected through the inlet while still allowing air to be drawn in for dust extraction, thus resolving the contradiction between dust removal efficiency and particle ejection prevention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the inlet is spaced from the open bottom to prevent particle ejection, then user safety is improved, but dust suction efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle ejection preventionVSAvoiddust suction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing design integrates multiple functions: it serves as both a protective enclosure that prevents particle ejection and an efficient dust extraction system. The strategic positioning of the inlet and outlet, combined with the protective element, allows the same housing structure to simultaneously achieve safety and dust removal efficiency

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

Solution Approach 2:

The protective element functions as a mediator that enables the inlet to be spaced from the open bottom without compromising dust suction efficiency. It facilitates air intake while blocking particle ejection, thus maintaining both safety and dust extraction performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the outlet is positioned close to the cutting disc for immediate dust extraction, then dust removal efficiency is improved, but the risk of particle ejection through the outlet increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust extraction efficiencyVSAvoidparticle ejection through outlet
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented to position the outlet at an optimal distance from the cutting disc, creating a separate dust extraction zone. This spatial segmentation allows the outlet to be positioned for efficient dust capture while being far enough to minimize particle ejection risk

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 effectively enhances dust removal efficiency by creating a vacuum pocket to confine dust and improve airflow for extraction, while ensuring safety by preventing particle ejection and finger insertion.

Implementation Method 1

create a vacuum pocket to confine dust while providing an airflow for the extraction of the confined dust

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

The baffle may define at least part of a flow path, for example, one into which air is drawn through the inlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow path definition:

Data Source

PatentEP4659925A1Grooving machine
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP4659925A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4659925A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4659925A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a grooving machine housing (3) and a grooving machine (1) comprising the housing (3). The housing (3) is intended to surround part of a cutting disc (10) and includes an open bottom (4) to face a substrate to be grooved, an inlet (8) spaced from the open bottom (4) for drawing air into the housing (3) and an outlet (9) spaced from both the inlet (8) and the open bottom (4) for connection to a dust extraction means.