Rotatable Locking Member for Quick-Release Accessory Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handheld dust collectors have a short operating time due to battery limitations, and existing solutions for replacing battery packs are cumbersome and lack a concise mounting structure.

Innovation Solution

A connecting structure with a rotatable locking member that switches between locking and unlocking states, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly of accessories like battery packs, featuring a pivoting portion, arms, and a biasing mechanism for convenient handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If a handheld dust collector is attached to a router bit, then dust collection efficiency is improved, but the balance and control of the tool deteriorates due to added weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust collection efficiencyVSAvoidtool balance and control
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dust collector is divided into a two-part bayonet coupling system consisting of a male connector on the dust collector and a female connector on the router bit adapter. This segmentation allows for quick attachment and detachment, enabling the user to easily remove the dust collector when balance becomes an issue, while maintaining effective dust collection when attached.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic removable attachment. The bayonet coupling mechanism with audible click feedback allows the dust collector to be dynamically attached when dust collection is needed and removed when the user experiences balance issues, providing operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a dust collector is permanently attached to the router bit, then dust collection is maintained, but the ability to adjust or remove the dust collector deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust collectionVSAvoidadjustability and removability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The permanently attached dust collector is replaced with a dynamically removable attachment using bayonet coupling. The user can attach the dust collector when dust collection is needed and remove it when adaptability is required, such as for different routing operations or storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A female connector adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the router bit and the dust collector. This adapter with male bayonet coupling allows the dust collector to be attached to various router bits while maintaining the ability to easily remove and adjust the configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If a dust collector with large opening is used, then dust intake capacity is improved, but the compatibility with different router bit sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust intake capacityVSAvoidcompatibility with router bit sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The female connector adapter serves multiple functions: it provides a standardized mounting interface for different router bit sizes, maintains the large opening for effective dust intake, and enables compatibility across various router bit diameters through its adjustable clamp mechanism.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves from trying to fit a single opening size to all router bits to creating a standardized interface dimension (the female connector adapter) that mediates between the dust collector's large opening and various router bit sizes, allowing the large opening to be maintained while achieving universal compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables efficient and simple attachment and detachment of accessories, enhancing usability and reducing complexity in the mounting structure, thereby extending the operating time of handheld dust collectors.

Implementation Method 1

The pivoting portion includes a first hinge shaft or a first axle hole. The device main body includes a second axle hole cooperated with the first hinge shaft and a second hinge shaft cooperated with the first axle hole.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

a basing member is further included. The basing member is disposed between the second arm and the device main body, to provide the locking member with a biasing force of switching from the second state to the first state.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3795045B1Connecting structure and handheld dust collector
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES WUHAN
  • EP3795045B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3795045B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3795045B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Provided are a connecting structure and a handheld dust collector. The connecting structure is used to connect an accessory (3) onto a device main body (1), including: a locking member (2) disposed on the device main body (1). The locking member (2) is rotatable relative to the device main body (1). The locking member (2) has a first state and a second state through a rotation of the locking member (2). In the first state, the locking member (2) is configured to limit a movement of the accessory (3) relative to the device main body (1); and in the second state, the locking member (2) is configured to unlock the movement of the accessory (3) relative to the device main body (1). With the adoption of the connecting structure and the handheld dust collector, the locking member (2) is able to limit the movement of the accessory (3) relative to the device main body (1) through the rotation of the locking member (2), or unlock the movement of the accessory (3) relative to the device main body (1).