Vacuum Fastening Interface for Stable Tool Guide Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening devices for functional units, such as guide rails and tools, lack reliability and convenience in attachment to workpieces, often requiring cumbersome methods like suction cups which are not always effective.

Innovation Solution

A fastening device with a housing containing an electrically operated vacuum unit that creates negative pressure in a suction area, allowing for reliable and convenient attachment to a base, along with a fastening interface for securing the functional unit, enhancing manageability and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a suction cup is used for attachment, then the device can be attached to surfaces, but the attachment reliability is insufficient and convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidhandling convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical suction cup attachment system with an electrically operated vacuum unit that uses controlled vacuum generation to achieve attachment. This electrical system provides more reliable and controllable attachment compared to passive mechanical suction cups, while also improving ease of operation through electrical control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a vacuum unit that generates negative pressure (vacuum) to attach the fastening device to the base surface. This pneumatic approach using controlled vacuum generation provides superior attachment reliability and convenience compared to simple suction cups, as it allows for controlled attachment and detachment through electrical operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If an electrically operated vacuum unit is used, then attachment reliability and convenience are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the electrically operated vacuum unit within the housing of the fastening device, combining the attachment mechanism with the structural housing. This merging approach reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate attachment devices while maintaining improved attachment reliability through the electrically controlled vacuum system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the vacuum unit, and forms part of the attachment system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving reliable attachment through the integrated electrically operated vacuum unit.

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

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 provides a more reliable and convenient attachment method, improving manageability by ensuring secure fastening of the functional unit to the base in all spatial directions, facilitating easier operation and tool guidance during tasks like sawing or milling.

Implementation Method 1

an electrically operated vacuum unit arranged in the housing, which is designed to provide a vacuum in the suction region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure (Vacuum): Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP3938133B1Fastening apparatus and system
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 FESTOOL GMBH
  • EP3938133B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3938133B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3938133B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a fastening apparatus (10, 20) for a functional unit (1), in particular for a tool, a tool accessory and/or a lighting apparatus, comprising: a housing (2), a suction region (3), which is arranged on the housing (2) and with which the fastening apparatus (10, 20) can be fastened releasably to a substrate, and an electrically operated negative-pressure unit, which is arranged in the housing (2) and is configured to provide a negative pressure in the suction region (3). The fastening apparatus (10, 20) also comprises at least one fastening interface (5) for fastening the functional unit (1). Alternatively or additionally, the fastening apparatus (10, 20) comprises the functional unit (1). The functional unit (1) comprises a guide device, in particular a guide rail, a router guide, a routing template, a rolling guide rail, a drilling apparatus, a lamp and/or a grazing light.