Sealed Communication Adapter Housing With External Interface Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication adapters for electric working machines are prone to malfunction due to foreign matter such as dust and water entering the machine when exposed, and the adapters' displays and switches are vulnerable to damage from external factors.

Innovation Solution

A communication adapter attachment device with a cap that seals the adapter housing portion, allowing wireless communication and indirect access to the adapter's interface while preventing foreign matter ingress, featuring a rotatable cap for easy attachment and detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the adapter is configured to be exposed to outside while being attached to the tool main body, then a user can access the adapter's display and switch, but foreign matter such as dust and water can enter the tool main body and the adapter, causing malfunction or damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to adapter interfaceVSAvoidprotection from foreign matter
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is nested within the adapter housing portion, which is integrated into the tool main body. The cap covers the opening to seal the nested adapter, protecting it from foreign matter while maintaining a compact integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The cap acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the adapter. It provides a sealed cover that prevents foreign matter from reaching the adapter while still allowing the adapter to function when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the adapter is exposed to outside, then the display and switch are accessible, but they are likely to bump into other objects or be affected by foreign matter, making them easy to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to display and switchVSAvoiddurability of display and switch
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The display and switch are nested within the adapter housing portion, protected by the cap when closed. This nesting arrangement shields the fragile display and switch from physical impact and foreign matter while maintaining accessibility when the cap is opened.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If the adapter is protected from foreign matter, then reliability is improved, but access to the adapter interface may be restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from foreign matterVSAvoidaccess to adapter interface
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cap is designed to be rotatable between a closed position (providing protection) and an open position (providing access). This dynamic design allows the system to switch between protected and accessible states as needed, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3730251B1Communication adaptor attachment device and working machine
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 MAKITA CORP
  • EP3730251B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3730251B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3730251B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication adapter attachment device (8, 208) in one aspect of the present disclosure is provided in a working machine (1, 200), and includes an adapter housing portion (10, 210), a cap (30), and a cap-side interface (31a, 31b, 37a, 37b). The cap-side interface (31a, 31b, 37a, 37b) is configured to enable viewing of the adapter-side interface (66a, 66b, 77a, 77b, 79, 80) and/or an input operation to the adapter-side interface (66a, 66b, 77a, 77b, 79, 80), from outside of the working machine (1, 200), in a state in which the communication adapter (60) is accommodated in the adapter housing portion (10, 210) and the opening (12) is closed with the cap (30).