Cleaner Station Fixing Unit for Automatic Sealing and Dust Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaners face issues with frequent dust bin emptying, dust scattering during emptying, residual dust affecting suction force and odor, and the need for manual sealing and fixing, which are not adequately addressed by existing solutions.

Innovation Solution

A cleaner station with a housing, dust collecting motor, coupling part, and a fixing unit that includes a movable panel and sealer to automatically seal and fix the cleaner, allowing for dust removal without manual intervention and minimizing space occupation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the dust bin capacity is increased, then the frequency of emptying is reduced, but the space occupied by the cleaner station increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency of emptying dust binVSAvoidspace occupied by cleaner station

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The dust bin is nested within the cleaner station housing, with the dust collecting part positioned inside the station. This allows the dust bin capacity to be effectively increased without proportionally increasing the external dimensions of the cleaner station, as the dust bin utilizes the internal space of the existing station structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The dust bin is oriented vertically within the station, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than only horizontal space. The dust collecting part extends in the vertical direction, allowing increased capacity while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint of the cleaner station.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If manual emptying of the dust bin is performed, then the dust bin can be emptied, but dust scatters and harms user health

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of dust bin emptyingVSAvoiddust scattering to user

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical emptying process is replaced with an automated pneumatic system. The dust collecting motor generates suction force that automatically draws dust from the dust bin through the dust outlet, eliminating the need for manual intervention and preventing dust scattering to the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting when the cleaner is coupled to the station and initiating the dust collection process without user intervention. The dust bin is automatically emptied through the suction mechanism, and the sealing member automatically seals the dust outlet after emptying.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the sealing member is fixedly disposed on the dust inlet port, then the gap between dust bin and cup body is sealed, but the user must push the vacuum cleaner to the dust bin to seal the gap

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing of gap between dust bin and vacuum cleanerVSAvoidease of coupling cleaner to station

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing member is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adapt to the coupling process. The sealing member can move to engage with the dust outlet when the cleaner is coupled to the station, automatically creating the seal without requiring the user to apply additional force or perform manual sealing actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Weight of moving object

If the cleaner is designed for portability like a handy cleaner, then the cleaner is light and easy to carry, but the cleaning region is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of cleanerVSAvoidcleaning region coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaner is designed with modular components that can be attached and detached. The extension tube and cleaning module can be coupled to the main body when needed for extended cleaning tasks, while the main body remains compact and portable. This allows the cleaner to function both as a portable handy cleaner and as an extended-reach cleaning device.

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 cleaner station eliminates the need for frequent dust bin emptying, prevents dust scattering, maintains suction force, and automatically seals the cleaner, enhancing user convenience and cleanliness.

Implementation Method 1

a dust collecting motor accommodated in the housing and configured to generate a suction force for sucking dust in a dust bin of a cleaner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction force: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS12599276B2Cleaner station with fixing unit

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a cleaner station including: a housing; a dust collecting motor configured to generate a suction force for sucking dust in a dust bin of a cleaner; a dust collecting part disposed at an upper side in a gravitational direction of the dust collecting motor; a coupling part including a coupling surface to which the cleaner is coupled; and a fixing unit configured to fix the cleaner when the cleaner is coupled to the coupling part, thereby allowing a user to seal the cleaner without applying a separate force.