Cleaning Tool Channel with Resilient Retention Against Rattling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol generating apparatuses require manual cleaning, which is inefficient and can lead to rattling noises due to loose cleaning tools, posing a challenge in maintaining cleanliness and user experience.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning tool system with a resiliently deformable engagement mechanism that securely holds the cleaning tool in a channel, minimizing rattling and providing a stable storage solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the cleaning tool is stored in the body without engagement elements, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cleaning tool produces rattling noises and loose movements during handling and transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidrattling noises
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The channel includes specific engagement elements (first engagement element and second engagement element) at particular locations to address the rattling problem only where needed, rather than complicating the entire structure. The first engagement element secures the cleaning tool longitudinally while the second engagement element prevents lateral movements, providing localized solutions to specific rattling issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement elements act as intermediary components between the cleaning tool and the channel walls, facilitating secure retention without requiring complex structural modifications to either the cleaning tool or the entire body. These intermediaries transmit and distribute forces to prevent rattling while maintaining simplicity in the overall design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the first engagement element and second engagement element are both resiliently deformable, then the cleaning tool retention is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning tool retentionVSAvoidengagement element deformation control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement elements are designed to change their physical state from a relaxed position to a deformed position when the cleaning tool is inserted. The resilient material properties allow the elements to deform elastically within controlled parameters, providing secure retention through force application while maintaining manufacturability through predictable elastic behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient nature of the engagement elements provides built-in compliance and force distribution before potential failure or excessive deformation occurs. This beforehand cushioning through elastic deformation protects against manufacturing tolerances and ensures reliable retention without requiring extremely precise manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 system effectively reduces rattling noises and ensures secure storage of cleaning tools, enhancing user experience and cleanliness by preventing loose components during handling and transport.

Implementation Method 1

the first engagement element and the second engagement element are resiliently deformable to press the cleaning tool against a wall of the channel when received therein

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4602962A1Cleaning tool system
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 IMPERIAL TOBACCO LTD
  • EP4602962A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4602962A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4602962A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention refers to a cleaning tool system, comprising: an elongate cleaning tool (96) for cleaning a heating element (54), the heating element (54) being configured to heat a consumable (70) to generate an aerosol therefrom, and a body (98) including a channel (120) formed therein for removably receiving the cleaning tool (96), wherein the body (98) further includes a first engagement element (132) and a second engagement element (134) at respective positions spaced along a length of the channel (120), the first engagement element (132) and the second engagement element (134) being resiliently deformable to press the cleaning tool (96) against a wall of the channel (120) when received therein.