Integrated Airflow Guide for Cleaner Filter Access and Suction Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaners have complex structures with a large number of parts, making it difficult to maintain filters and reducing suction efficiency due to dust accumulation, and require disassembly for filter access.

Innovation Solution

A cleaner design featuring a single flow guide that forms both suction and exhaust passages for the suction motor, reducing the number of parts and complexity, allowing for easy filter separation and maintenance, while maintaining airflow efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate structures are provided for guiding air discharged from the cyclone to the motor and for guiding air that has passed the motor to the post motor filter, then the airflow paths are clearly defined, but the number of parts is large and the structure is complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow path definitionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the suction passage guide and exhaust passage guide into a single integrated flow guide structure. The flow guide has a first portion that guides air from the cyclone to the motor and a second portion that guides air from the motor to the post motor filter, merging two separate guiding functions into one component. This reduces the number of parts while maintaining clear airflow path definition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow guide serves multiple functions: it acts as both a suction passage guide and an exhaust passage guide, and also provides structural support for mounting the motor and filters. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.

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

2Strength

If the pre motor filter is disposed between the airflow generator and the cyclone and surrounded by a housing, then the filter is protected, but it is required to disassemble the product to reach the filters for maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter protectionVSAvoidfilter accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into a main body and a detachable cover portion. The cover can be easily removed to provide direct access to the pre motor filter and post motor filter for maintenance, while the main body remains intact. This segmentation allows the filter to be protected during operation but easily accessible when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is designed to be dynamically removable and reattachable, transitioning from a closed protective state during operation to an open accessible state during maintenance. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt between protection and accessibility requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple separate components are used for airflow guidance, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall device size increases and compactness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent function optimizationVSAvoiddevice compactness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple airflow guidance functions are merged into the single flow guide structure, which has different portions for guiding suction air and exhaust air. This integration maintains functional optimization while reducing the overall device volume by eliminating gaps and interfaces between separate components.

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

The simplified structure enhances suction force and extends battery life by minimizing airflow loss and allowing for easy filter cleaning, improving user experience and maintenance accessibility.

Implementation Method 1

a suction motor for generating suction power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

a dust-separating unit for separating dust from air which has been sucked in by the suction power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Data Source

PatentEP4218519B1Cleaning apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4218519B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4218519B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4218519B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The cleaning apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a suction inlet; a suction motor for generating suction power; a dust-separating unit for separating dust from air which has been sucked in by the suction power; a motor housing which surrounds the suction motor; a flow guide which surrounds an outer side of the motor housing and guides, to the suction motor, air which has been discharged from the dust-separating unit; and a body which surrounds the flow guide and, together with the flow guide, guides air which has been discharged from the suction motor.