Tool-Free Lid Interface for Flexible Dust Collection and Disposal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lid apparatuses for material collection containers lack a convenient and tool-free method for attaching and detaching both the container and disposal units to hand-held power tools, leading to inflexible connections and potential material leakage.

Innovation Solution

The proposed lid apparatus features a container fixation interface for attaching to the container, a further fixation interface for attaching to a disposal unit, and a hand-held power tool interface for secure attachment to the tool, allowing reversible and tool-free connections, with a design that includes a snap-fit mechanism and adjustable air bypass for improved usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a lid apparatus is designed with fixed attachment methods for material collection containers, then connection stability is improved, but flexibility and ease of exchange with disposal units deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidflexibility for exchange

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lid apparatus is designed with a universal fixation interface that can accommodate both material collection containers and material disposal units. The container fixation interface is configured to receive different types of containers and disposal units, allowing the same lid apparatus to serve multiple functions and enabling easy exchange between different unit types while maintaining stable connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system is segmented into separate fixation interfaces on the lid apparatus and corresponding counter-interfaces on the containers and disposal units. This segmentation allows independent design optimization for each component while maintaining overall system stability and flexibility for exchange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If traditional attachment methods are used for connecting containers to lid apparatus, then structural simplicity is improved, but ease of attachment and detachment without tools deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidease of attachment and detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation interface employs a snap-fit mechanism where elastic fixation elements on the lid apparatus engage with corresponding recesses in the container or disposal unit. This replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems with a simpler elastic deformation-based connection that achieves secure attachment and easy tool-free detachment through simple pushing or pulling motions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic fixation elements automatically engage with the container or disposal unit when brought into proximity, providing self-aligning and self-securing attachment. The system serves itself by using the natural elasticity of the fixation elements to create secure connections without requiring external tools or complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If rigid connections are used between hand-held power tool and container, then connection strength is improved, but adaptability to different disposal units deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidadaptability to different units

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system transitions from rigid fixed connections to dynamic adaptable connections. The elastic fixation elements can deform to accommodate different container and disposal unit geometries while maintaining secure attachment. This dynamic behavior allows the same lid apparatus to strongly connect to various different units without compromising connection strength or adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20230398676A1Lid Device for a Material Collection Container and Material Collection Device, Hand-Held Power Tool and Material Disposal Unit with such a Lid Device

Publication Date: 2023.12.14 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

A lid apparatus for a material collection container includes at least one lid unit for at least partially closing a material collection opening of the material collection container; at least one container fixation interface arranged on the lid unit (16a; 16b; 16c), by means of which the lid unit can be reversibly detached and fastened on the material collection container, in particular without tools; and at least one hand-held power tool interface arranged on the lid unit for fastening the lid unit on a hand-held power tool, in particular a discharge nozzle of the hand-held power tool. The lid apparatus further includes at least one further fixation interface, by means of which a material disposal unit can be reversibly detached and fastened on the lid unit, in particular without tools.