Modular Suction Housing With Exchangeable Function Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suction devices lack flexibility in their range of functions, with fixed configurations that do not adapt to varying requirements, limiting their utility in workshop settings.

Innovation Solution

The suction device allows for the exchangeable functional modules, which can be fully or partially received in a module receptacle within the suction device housing, with a sealing arrangement to protect against environmental influences and electrical connections for power and data communication, enabling various functional configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the suction device has a fixed configuration, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability and versatility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of functionsVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction device is divided into a base unit and separate functional modules. The base unit contains the motor, housing, and control panel, while additional functions are provided by detachable modules that can be attached as needed. This segmentation allows the core device to remain simple while enabling versatility through modular additions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The suction device is designed with a universal base unit that can accommodate multiple different functional modules. The control panel and motor are configured to work with various module types, allowing a single base unit to perform multiple functions by simply changing the attached module.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If functional modules are added to expand functionality, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional configurationsVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction device transitions from a static, fixed-function design to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Functional modules can be attached or detached based on operational requirements, allowing the device to adapt its configuration dynamically rather than being locked into a single complex design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Functional modules are designed to nest within or attach to the base unit structure. The modules integrate with the existing housing and control systems, allowing additional functionality to be incorporated without proportionally increasing the overall device complexity or footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the control panel is made accessible on the outer wall, then the ease of operation improves, but the protection from environmental influences may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of control panelVSAvoidexposure to environmental influences
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control panel is positioned on the outer wall at a location that is easily accessible for operation but is designed with local protective features. The housing material and sealing arrangements provide targeted protection at the control panel location while maintaining user access, allowing different parts of the device to have different qualities - accessibility where needed, protection where vulnerable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2229857B1Suction device with function module
Publication Date: 2018.12.26 FESTOOL GMBH
  • EP2229857B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2229857B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2229857B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a suction device (10) for separating particles from a suction stream (13), comprising a suction motor (12) for generating the suction stream (13) and a suction housing (11) having a control panel (23) for operating the suction device (10). The suction device (10) is provided that at least one module receptacle (30) for receiving at least one functional module (50a-50d) providing an electrical and/or optical and/or acoustic function is arranged on the control panel (23), that an electrical connection arrangement (41) for electrically connecting the at least one functional module (50a-50d) to the suction device (10) is arranged on the module receptacle (30), and that the at least one functional module (50a-50d) is detachably connected to the suction housing (11) by means of connecting means (52). The invention further relates to a functional module (50a-50d) for the suction device (10).