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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaners face challenges in maintaining strong suction capacity and easy filter cleaning, particularly due to the difficulty in separating and cleaning the dust container from the main body.

Innovation Solution

A cleaner design featuring a separable dust container with a single operating member that allows for easy opening and separation, incorporating a cyclone unit for dust separation and a filter that can be exposed for cleaning, along with a handle unit and elastic members for efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the dust container is integrated with the main body, then the structure is compact, but the filter cannot be easily cleaned

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter cleaning accessibilityVSAvoiddust container separation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dust container is divided into separable parts: the container body and the cover. The cover can be opened independently to expose the filter for cleaning, while the entire dust container can be separated from the main body. This segmentation allows maintenance access without requiring full disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is extracted as a separate operable component that can be opened independently from the dust container body. This allows the filter to be accessed and cleaned by opening just the cover, without removing the entire dust container from the main body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the dust container is separable from the main body, then the filter can be easily cleaned, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust container separationVSAvoidholding mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operating member combines multiple functions: it can open the cover, separate the dust container from the main body, and control the holding mechanism. This single integrated control reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the user interface despite the separable structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding mechanism uses elastic members that automatically engage and disengage based on the operating member's position. The elastic members provide automatic locking when the dust container is attached and automatic unlocking when the operating member is actuated, reducing the need for complex manual locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a single operating member is used, then the operation is simplified, but the control of multiple functions becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating member controlVSAvoidoperating member mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operating member is designed as a multi-functional universal control that performs multiple operations: opening the cover, separating the dust container, and controlling the holding mechanism. This single component replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate controls, simplifying the user interface.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The operating member utilizes vertical movement (up and down directions) to control different functions. By adding the dimensional aspect of vertical actuation, a single linear movement can trigger multiple functions at different positions along its travel path, efficiently packing multiple controls into one component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of operation

If the cover is disposed inside the dust container, then the structure is compact, but the holes are difficult to clean

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehole cleaning accessibilityVSAvoiddust container internal space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is designed to be opened before the dust container is separated from the main body. This preliminary action of opening the cover exposes the filter and holes for cleaning, allowing maintenance to be performed on the attached unit without requiring separation from the main body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is extracted as an independently openable component that can be removed or opened to expose the internal filter structure. This extraction allows direct access to the holes and filter surface for cleaning, eliminating the space constraint problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 design enhances suction capacity and facilitates easy filter cleaning by allowing the dust container to be easily separated and opened, improving user convenience and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

a cyclone unit that is disposed at the upper portion of the dust container to separate dust from air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 2

a first cyclone having a dust collector having walls and a base covering the dust collector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentEP4082416B1cleaner
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4082416B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4082416B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4082416B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cleaner includes: a main body that forms an external shape; a dust container that is separably combined with the main body and stores dust separated from air; a dust container cover that is configured to open and close the dust container; a handle unit that is disposed behind the dust container; and an operating member that is configured to provide operation force to the dust container cover by moving in a first direction and to release a holding mechanism for preventing separation of the dust container from the main body by moving in a second direction opposite to the first direction.