Sanding Block with Integrated Battery-Powered Dust Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual sanding tools lack efficient dust extraction capabilities, leading to environmental contamination and the need for external vacuum devices, which hinder usability and increase weight imbalance.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a battery-operated dust extraction system within the sanding block, featuring a motor housing with a fan wheel, rechargeable battery, and a detachable dust box, allowing for mains-independent operation and direct dust collection at the source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If manual sanding is performed without integrated dust extraction, then the tool remains simple and lightweight, but dust disperses into the environment causing contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust dispersionVSAvoidtool structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sanding function and dust extraction function into a single integrated tool. The sanding block includes a base plate for holding abrasive articles and a housing containing a battery-operated dust extraction device with a fan wheel, dust container, and suction openings. This merging eliminates the need for separate external vacuum equipment while capturing dust at the source during sanding operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If external vacuum equipment is used for dust extraction, then dust can be captured, but usability is hindered and weight distribution becomes unbalanced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust captureVSAvoidusability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dust extraction device is integrated directly into the sanding block housing, combining both functions in one handheld tool. This eliminates the need for separate external vacuum equipment and hoses, improving usability by allowing the user to operate with a single balanced tool rather than managing multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The suction openings are positioned on the base plate and housing to create localized dust capture zones close to the sanding contact point. This spatial arrangement enables effective dust extraction without requiring large external vacuum units, maintaining a compact and balanced handheld design.

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

3Power

If mains power supply is used for dust extraction, then sufficient power can be provided, but the tool requires connection to external power sources reducing mobility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supplyVSAvoidmobility
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sanding block is equipped with an integrated rechargeable battery pack that provides autonomous power for the dust extraction fan wheel. This self-contained power source eliminates the need for external power connections or mains supply, enabling complete portability and mobility while maintaining sufficient power for effective dust extraction during sanding operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 clean manual sanding by minimizing dust dispersion, eliminating the need for external vacuum equipment, and balancing the tool for improved handling.

Implementation Method 1

a battery-operated device for sucking off sanding dust, which comprises at least one dust box, a motor housing in which a drive motor provided with a fan wheel is provided

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3814054B1Sanding block for manual use, and system comprising a sanding block and an abrasive article
Publication Date: 2022.08.24 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3814054B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3814054B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3814054B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a sanding block (10) for manual use, in particular for manually sanding surfaces, having at least one base plate (12) for holding an abrasive article (14) and at least one sanding block body (18) having a gripping region (20). According to the ivnention, a rechargeable-battery operated device (22) for removing sanding dust by suction is integrated in the sanding block (10), said device comprising at least a dust box (28), a motor housing (30), in which a drive motor (34) provided with an impeller (32) is provided, and a rechargeable battery (26) for supplying the drive motor (34) with power without an external power supply.