Sensor-Integrated Tool Aspirator for Blockage and Airflow Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools for etching and cutting operations face challenges in efficiently removing particles and detecting operating parameters, particularly due to limitations in balancing and energy supply for sensors, and the need for improved detection of anomalies in air flow and blockages.

Innovation Solution

A device with a self-centering conical shape for the measuring device and impeller contact, equipped with various sensors and a voltage source, such as a piezo element or solar cell, allowing for energy harvesting and wireless data transmission, along with a duct for directed air flow to enhance sensor accuracy and redundancy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a measuring device is mounted on the impeller shaft, then operating parameters can be detected, but the device requires complex balancing procedures after mounting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection of operating parametersVSAvoidbalancing procedures
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conical seat with self-centering feature allows the measuring device to automatically center itself on the impeller shaft during mounting, eliminating the need for complex external balancing procedures. The conical geometry provides mechanical self-alignment that ensures proper balance without requiring additional balancing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The conical seat creates a geometric relationship where the measuring device naturally finds its correct position and orientation on the impeller shaft. This self-centering mechanism ensures that the device is always in the optimal position, equivalent to being in a state of mechanical equipotentiality where no further adjustment is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

2Measurement precision

If sensors are added to detect air flow and blockages, then detection accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The impeller shaft serves multiple functions: it drives the impeller for particle removal and simultaneously supports the measuring device for detecting operating parameters, air flow conditions, and blockages. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate energy-consuming components while maintaining detection accuracy.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring device provides real-time feedback about air flow conditions and blockages, allowing the system to respond to actual operating conditions. This feedback mechanism enables energy-efficient operation by activating detection only when needed and allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions without continuous high energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If multiple sensors are installed for redundancy, then system availability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem availabilityVSAvoidnumber of sensors
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sensing functions are integrated into a single compact measuring device mounted on the impeller shaft. This consolidation provides redundant detection capabilities for operating parameters, air flow, and blockages without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as the sensors are housed within one integrated unit rather than distributed separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 particle removal and real-time detection of operating parameters without requiring subsequent balancing, improving availability and accuracy in detecting blockages and energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage source, in particular a piezoelectric element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a voltage source, in particular a piezoelectric element or a solar cell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 3

dust-like waste is removed during etching or cutting by the suction action of a paddle wheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3578952B1Apparatus for aspirating particles on a tool with integrated sensors
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 SCHLAGETER KLAUS
  • EP3578952B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3578952B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3578952B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Device (1, 50) for extracting particles from a tool (10), wherein the device (1, 50) has a vane wheel (8, 58) designed to generate an airflow (11, 31, 51) for extracting particles generated during operation of the tool (10), wherein the vane wheel (8, 58) can be mounted coaxially to the shaft (9) of the tool (10), characterized in that the device (1, 50) has a measuring device (2, 32, 52) with at least one sensor (3, 33, 43, 53) for detecting operating parameters of the tool (10).