Vacuum Socket Safety Switching for Tool Overload Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction devices for power tools lack a robust safety mechanism to prevent overloading of electrical connections, which can lead to damage and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a separate safety device within the switch arrangement that automatically switches off the electrical supply in case of a fault condition, allowing the operator to manually switch between safe and release positions, ensuring the connection device is protected from overload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a socket or connection device is added to the vacuum cleaner to power hand-held tools, then the vacuum cleaner can serve as a power distributor, but the connection device may be overloaded leading to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the switching function into two separate devices: a main switch for the vacuum cleaner motor and a separate safety switch for the connection device. This segmentation allows independent control and protection of each electrical load, preventing overload damage while maintaining power distribution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety switch acts as an intermediary protective device between the power source and the connection device. It monitors electrical parameters and automatically disconnects the connection device when overload or fault conditions are detected, protecting the connection device without affecting the main vacuum cleaner operation.
2Reliability
If a safety device is added to protect the connection device, then the connection device is protected from overload, but the switch arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the safety switch and main switch into a single integrated switch arrangement housing, sharing common structural elements, actuating mechanisms, and control circuits. This merging approach provides connection device protection while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through shared components and compact design.
3Reliability
If the safety device automatically switches off the supply voltage in case of fault, then the connection device is protected, but the operator loses manual control over power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The safety switch incorporates automatic fault detection and feedback mechanisms that monitor electrical parameters and automatically disconnect the connection device when abnormal conditions are detected. The system provides visual or tactile feedback to the operator about the fault condition, allowing informed manual intervention while maintaining automatic protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety device performs self-monitoring and self-protection functions by automatically detecting overload or fault conditions and disconnecting the connection device without requiring operator intervention. This self-service capability protects the connection device while maintaining simple operation through automatic fault response.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a suction device (10) for separating particles from a suction flow, with a suction motor (13) for generating the suction flow and with a suction housing (11), in which the suction motor (13) and a dust collection chamber (14) for collecting the particles separated from the suction flow are arranged, with an electrical connection device (23), in particular a socket, for providing an electrical supply voltage (V) for an electrical consumer, in particular a hand-held power tool, being arranged on the suction housing (11), wherein the suction device has a switch arrangement (50) with an electrical switch (51) which can be adjusted between an off position (A), in which the suction motor cannot be switched on, and an on position (E) using a manually actuatable operating element (80), in which the suction motor can be switched on or switched on. The switch arrangement (50) has a safety device for the electrical connection device (23), which is separate from the switch and which, in the event of at least one electrical fault condition on the connection device (23), changes from a release position (F) in which the supply voltage (V ) is applied to the connection device (23), switches to a safety position (S), in which the supply voltage (V) from the connection device (23) is switched off, and that the safety device can be actuated between the safety position and the release position using the control element.