Dust collector including filter cleaning mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dust collectors for hand-held power tools face challenges in efficiently managing dust and debris collection, particularly in maintaining suction efficiency and filter cleanliness during prolonged use, which can lead to reduced performance and increased user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A dust collector design featuring a telescoping suction pipe, a motor-driven suction fan, a dust container with a filter, and an automatic filter cleaning mechanism, including a solenoid or hammer-based system, that adjusts to maintain suction efficiency and alert the user to potential clogs through monitoring systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the dust collector operates for prolonged use, then dust and debris are collected in the dust container, but the filter becomes clogged and suction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic filter cleaning through a solenoid-actuated bell crank mechanism that automatically knocks dust off the filter at predetermined intervals during operation. This periodic maintenance action prevents cumulative clogging and maintains suction efficiency throughout prolonged usage periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cleaning mechanism operates automatically without user intervention. The solenoid receives signals from the controller and autonomously actuates the bell crank to strike the filter, enabling the system to self-maintain its performance characteristics during extended operation.
2Ease of operation
If manual filter cleaning is required, then filter maintenance can be performed, but user intervention is needed which increases inconvenience and interrupts workflow
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic filter cleaning mechanism eliminates the need for manual user intervention. The solenoid-actuated bell crank system performs filter maintenance autonomously during operation, allowing the tool to continue working without requiring the user to stop and clean the filter manually.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs filter cleaning actions preliminarily during operation rather than requiring post-operation maintenance. By knocking dust off the filter during use, the system prevents performance degradation before it occurs, maintaining continuous operational readiness.
3Length of moving object
If the suction pipe is extended to increase drilling depth, then drilling capability is improved, but the dust collector size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suction pipe is divided into multiple telescoping segments that can extend and retract relative to each other. This segmentation allows the pipe to achieve extended lengths for increased drilling depth while maintaining a compact form when retracted, avoiding the need for a permanently large dust collector structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction pipe transitions from a static structure to a dynamic telescoping mechanism that adjusts its length based on operational needs. The pipe can extend to provide increased drilling depth and then retract to minimize the overall dust collector footprint, adapting its configuration to different work requirements.
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
The solution enhances dust collection efficiency, extends drilling depth, and automatically maintains filter cleanliness, reducing user intervention and improving workflow by ensuring consistent suction power and easy maintenance notifications.
Implementation Method 1
a filter cleaning mechanism including a solenoid configured to be actuated by a controller to dislodge dust from the filter
Implementation Method 2
a suction fan positioned within the housing and operable to generate a vacuum in the suction pipe
Implementation Method 3
a hammer movable between a loaded position, in which the hammer is biased toward engagement with the filter, and a released position, in which the hammer impacts the filter to dislodge dust therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
A dust collector can be used with a hand-held power tool. The dust collector includes a housing, a telescoping suction pipe coupled to the housing, and a suction fan positioned within the housing and operable to generate a vacuum in the suction pipe. The suction pipe is configured to telescope toward and away from the housing. The suction pipe includes an outer pipe supported by the housing, and an inner pipe slidably received into the outer pipe.