Particle Collection Receptacle Closure for Clean Tool Uncoupling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing collection receptacles for workpiece particles from handheld power tools face challenges in preventing uncontrolled release of particles during coupling and uncoupling, leading to inefficiencies in particle collection.

Innovation Solution

A collection receptacle with a closure mechanism and connection mechanism, featuring a rotatable connection ring and a movable closure element, ensures reliable sealing and easy connection/disconnection, preventing uncontrolled particle release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a closure mechanism is added to prevent uncontrolled particle release, then particle containment reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle containment reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure mechanism is segmented into a closure element and a guiding means, allowing independent optimization of each component. The closure element can be a simple plate or valve while the guiding means provides the mechanical guidance, dividing the complexity into manageable parts that can be manufactured and assembled separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding means acts as an intermediary between the closure element and the inlet port, mediating the movement and positioning of the closure element. This intermediary component simplifies the overall design by providing a standardized interface and movement path, reducing the complexity of direct closure port control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a connection mechanism with rotatable ring is used for quick coupling, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of coupling and uncouplingVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection ring is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment during the coupling process. The rotation capability enables the ring to align with matching features on the power tool, facilitating quick connection and disconnection while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism merges the connection ring with the closure mechanism components, allowing a single rotational motion to simultaneously achieve both connection and closure actions. This integration reduces the total number of separate components and operations needed, simplifying the overall device despite the added functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the closure element is made movable within a plane, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of opening and closing inlet portVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding means provides localized precision constraints at specific points along the closure element's path, rather than requiring precision throughout the entire movement. By defining precise guidance at critical locations (such as the sealing interface), the design achieves reliable operation with moderate overall manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The movement path of the closure element is segmented into discrete guided positions rather than requiring continuous precision. The guiding means creates distinct stable positions for open and closed states, with tolerance accumulation allowed in the transition zones, reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining functional reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4454821A1Collection receptacle for workpiece particles, handheld power tool assembly, and methods for coupling and uncoupling a collection receptacle for workpiece particles to a handheld power tool or from a handheld power tool
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 FESTOOL GMBH
  • EP4454821A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4454821A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4454821A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A collection receptacle (14) for collecting workpiece particles is described. The collection receptacle (14) comprises a receptacle shell (22) having an inlet port (26) and an outlet. The receptacle shell (22) delimits a collection volume of the collection receptacle (14). The collection receptacle (14) further comprises a closure mechanism (70) comprising a closure element (72) supported on the receptacle shell (22) by means of a guiding means for selectively opening and closing the inlet port (26). Additionally or alternatively, the collection receptacle (14) comprises a connection mechanism (104) configured for connecting the inlet port (26) to the handheld power tool. The connection mechanism (104) comprises a connection ring (106) arranged coaxially to the inlet port (26). Moreover, a handheld power tool assembly comprising a handheld power tool and such a collection receptacle (14) is presented. Furthermore, a method for coupling a collection receptacle (14) for workpiece particles to a handheld power tool and a method for uncoupling a collection receptacle (14) for workpiece particles from a handheld power tool are described.