Coupling system for a suction device with guiding contours

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suction devices lack a stable, robust, and comfortable coupling system for connecting different components, which affects the reliability and convenience of operation.

Innovation Solution

A coupling system with a first and second coupling element, featuring a tubular nozzle and receiving area, along with plug-in units and guide contours, ensures a stable and reliable electrical and mechanical connection, preventing rotation and relative movement, and allowing for efficient transmission of electrical energy and data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a coupling system connects suction device components, then the transmission of electrical energy and data is enabled, but the connection stability and robustness deteriorate due to rotation and relative movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidprevention of rotation and relative movement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system employs asymmetric guide contours on the coupling elements that prevent rotational movement and relative displacement. The guide contours are designed with specific geometric features that allow insertion in only one orientation, thereby eliminating rotation and ensuring stable electrical and mechanical connections between suction device components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces guide contours as an intermediary mechanical feature between coupling elements. These guide contours act as a mediator that guides the insertion process, prevents misalignment, and maintains stable connection during operation, thereby improving both connection stability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of moving object

If the nozzle protrudes from the contact surface along the longitudinal axis, then the tubular channel for suction air flow is extended, but the mechanical stability and connection robustness worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle extension lengthVSAvoidmechanical connection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system nests the protruding nozzle of one coupling element into the receiving area of another coupling element. This nesting arrangement allows the nozzle to extend along the longitudinal axis for adequate suction air flow channel length while being mechanically supported and secured within the receiving area, thereby maintaining both extended length and mechanical connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent resolves the length-strength contradiction by transitioning to another dimension - the radial dimension. The guide contours provide radial support and constraint to the extended nozzle, preventing lateral displacement and rotation. This multi-dimensional approach allows the nozzle to extend axially for functional requirements while radial guidance maintains mechanical strength.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If plug-in units are arranged along the transverse axis next to the connecting piece, then electrical energy and data transmission is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical and data transmission capabilityVSAvoidcoupling system structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system integrates multiple functions into a single unified structure. The guide contours serve dual purposes: providing mechanical guidance and prevention of rotation, while also serving as structural support for the plug-in units arranged along the transverse axis. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity despite enabling electrical and data transmission capabilities.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the mechanical coupling function with the electrical connection function in a single integrated assembly. The plug-in units are combined with the guide contours and coupling elements, allowing simultaneous mechanical alignment and electrical connection. This merging approach enables adaptability for electrical and data transmission while minimizing the increase in device complexity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4623780A1Coupling system for a suction device with guiding contours
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP4623780A1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP4623780A1 patent drawingFigure 1b~2a
  • EP4623780A1 patent drawingFigure 2b~3a

AI summary

A coupling system (140) for connecting different suction air-conducting components (110, 120, 130) of a suction device (100) is described. The coupling system (140) comprises a first coupling element (141) with a tubular connecting piece (214) and a second coupling element (142) with a tubular receiving area (224) for the connecting piece (214). The first coupling element (141) further comprises a first plug-in unit (211, 212), and the second coupling element (142) comprises a second plug-in unit (221, 222) which is designed to form an electrically conductive plug connection with the first plug-in unit (211, 212) of the first coupling element (141). The nozzle (214) has a guide contour (331), and the second coupling element (142) has a complementary guide contour (431).The first plug-in unit (211, 212) has a recess (310) with a wall (313) which extends from the contact surface (300) of the first coupling element (141) along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the first coupling element (141), and the guide contour (331) on the connecting piece (214) of the first coupling element (141) extends along the longitudinal axis into the recess (310).