Removable Cleaner Module Structure for Dust-Free Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaners require manual disassembly, which poses sanitary issues as users must touch accumulated dust during maintenance, and do not allow for easy replacement or automatic recognition of cleaning modules.

Innovation Solution

A cleaner design featuring a supporting member and cleaning module that can be inserted and withdrawn through the bottom of the cleaner body, with a rotation rod and elastic member for automatic module recognition and easy maintenance, allowing dust-free handling and automatic selection of cleaning algorithms based on module type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If components are made separable for maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but user sanitation deteriorates because users must touch dust accumulated in the cleaner

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of component separationVSAvoiduser exposure to dust
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dust collection bag serves as an intermediary element that isolates dust from the user during component separation. Users remove the dust collection bag first, which contains all accumulated dust, before handling other components. This mediator approach allows easy component separation while preventing direct user contact with dust.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaner is segmented into distinct modules: dust collection bag, brush assembly, mop assembly, and cleaner body. This segmentation allows users to remove and handle only the clean components (brush assembly, mop assembly) separately from the dust-containing bag, maintaining sanitation while enabling easy maintenance and component replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If cleaning modules are made replaceable, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional coupling mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning module replaceabilityVSAvoidcoupling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism between the dust collection bag and cleaner body performs multiple functions: it securely holds the bag during operation, allows easy user removal, and enables automatic recognition of module presence. This universal coupling design achieves cleaning module replaceability without requiring separate complex mechanisms for each function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism integrates physical connection, security locking, and electrical recognition functions into a single unified structure. The coupling member includes both mechanical coupling elements and electrical contact elements, merging multiple functions to reduce overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If automatic module recognition is implemented, then productivity is improved through automated cleaning algorithm selection, but device complexity increases due to recognition systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated cleaning operationVSAvoidrecognition system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaner automatically recognizes which cleaning module is installed and self-configures the appropriate cleaning algorithm without user intervention. The recognition system automatically detects module presence and type, then the controller autonomously selects and executes the corresponding cleaning program, achieving productivity improvement with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism includes electrical contact elements that provide feedback signals to the controller about module presence and type. This simple feedback system enables automatic recognition by transmitting basic identification information from the module to the controller, which then automatically adjusts cleaning parameters without requiring complex recognition hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enhances user safety by minimizing direct contact with dust during maintenance, facilitates convenient module replacement, and improves autonomous cleaning performance through automatic module recognition and algorithm selection.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member configured to provide an elastic force such that the rotation coupling member pressurized toward the inside of the rotation rod is restored to an initial position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3536211B1cleaner
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3536211B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3536211B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3536211B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a cleaner having a structure that a supporting member and a cleaning module are coupled to or separated from a cleaner body. The cleaner includes a cleaner body having a module mounting portion; a supporting member inserted and mounted to the module mounting portion, and separated and withdrawn from the module mounting portion, through a bottom part of the cleaner body; and a cleaning module coupled to the supporting member so as to be inserted or withdrawn together with the supporting member when the supporting member is inserted or withdrawn.