Bagless Vacuum Cleaner Filter Cleaning Using Dust Bin Release Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bagless vacuum cleaners often experience reduced suction force due to clogged filter units, which requires regular manual cleaning that is cumbersome and often neglected by users, leading to impaired cleaning performance.
Innovation Solution
A bagless vacuum cleaner design that automatically cleans the filter unit upon dust bin removal, utilizing relative movement between the main housing and dust bin to create a cleaning action, such as impulsive forces or vibrations, eliminating the need for motor-driven mechanisms and user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning of the filter unit is required, then the filter can be cleaned, but the cleaning process is cumbersome and time-consuming requiring user intervention and drying time
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit automatically cleans itself through vibrations generated by the vacuum cleaner's motor during normal operation. The motor-induced vibrations shake loose accumulated dust from the filter surface without requiring user intervention, manual cleaning actions, or additional cleaning mechanisms.
2Extent of automation
If a motor driven filter cleaning mechanism is used, then filter cleaning can be performed automatically, but the mechanism adds complexity and weight to the vacuum cleaner
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum cleaner's existing motor serves dual purposes: generating suction power and creating vibrations that automatically clean the filter. This eliminates the need for separate motor-driven cleaning mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor performs multiple functions simultaneously: it generates the suction force needed for vacuuming and creates vibrations that clean the filter unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated cleaning mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the filter unit is cleaned manually with water, then the filter can be restored, but the vacuum cleaner cannot be used during the 24-hour drying period
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit undergoes continuous automatic cleaning during normal vacuum operation, preventing heavy dust accumulation and eliminating the need for periodic water cleaning and extended drying periods. The filter remains functional throughout the process.
4Productivity
If regular filter cleaning is required to maintain suction force, then cleaning performance is maintained, but users often neglect cleaning leading to impaired suction force
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit automatically cleans itself through motor-induced vibrations during normal operation, eliminating the need for user awareness, decision-making, or action regarding filter maintenance. Cleaning happens continuously without user involvement.
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
Regular and automatic filter cleaning reduces the risk of suction force impairment, ensuring consistent cleaning performance without requiring user action or additional components, thus enhancing the reliability of the vacuum cleaner.
Implementation Method 1
The relative movement between the filter unit and the at least one cleaning member is created by relative movement between the main housing and the dust bin in the release direction
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an aspect, a bagless vacuum cleaner is provided. The bagless vacuum cleaner comprises a main housing (1 10), a dust bin (120) releasable from the main housing upon relative movement between the dust bin and the main housing in a release direction (105), a filter unit (130), and at least one cleaning member (160) arranged to perform a cleaning action on the filter unit upon relative movement between the at least one cleaning member and the filter unit. The relative movement between the filter unit and the at least one cleaning member is created by relative movement between the main housing and the dust bin in the release direction. The present aspect is advantageous in that it reduces the risk of the filter unit being clogged by dust, which would impair the suction force.