Cyclone Bin Closure Assembly for Dust-Free Refuse Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning apparatuses face challenges in effectively containing dust and allergens during the transfer of collected particulate matter from a dirt collection chamber to a garbage can, as lighter particles can be entrained in air currents, leading to dust plumes and incomplete transfer.
Innovation Solution
A lid for a refuse container with an openable port that accommodates a dirt collection region from a surface cleaning apparatus, combined with a suction source to draw air from the container and a flexible closure member for the cyclone assembly, which together inhibit particulate matter from escaping and ensure a controlled transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dirt collection chamber is opened above or in an open refuse container to empty contents, then gravity causes particulate matter to fall out, but lighter particulate matter is entrained in air flow currents and forms a fine dust plume that escapes containment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lid with an openable port as an intermediary between the dirt collection chamber and the refuse container interior. This lid allows controlled transfer of particulate matter while preventing uncontrolled dust plume escape. The port can be opened to allow emptying while the lid structure itself acts as a barrier to contain dust, resolving the contradiction between ease of emptying and dust containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid structure provides different properties in different locations: the port area allows controlled opening for emptying, while the surrounding lid material provides dust containment. This local differentiation allows the system to simultaneously enable easy emptying through the port while maintaining dust containment through the lid structure.
2Ease of operation
If a lid is removed from the refuse container to allow emptying, then access to the interior is improved, but dust and allergens can escape into the surrounding environment
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into a main body that provides dust containment and a port that can be opened for emptying. This segmentation allows the system to maintain overall containment while providing localized access. The port can be opened to allow emptying of the dirt collection chamber while the surrounding lid structure continues to prevent dust and allergen escape into the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The port acts as an intermediary opening that allows controlled access for emptying while the lid structure serves as an intermediary barrier that prevents uncontrolled dust escape. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by providing a controlled pathway for emptying while maintaining overall containment.
3Productivity
If the port is made larger to accommodate the dirt collection region, then transfer of contents is facilitated, but the gap between the lid and dirt collection region increases allowing dust to escape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible closure member that can conform to the dirt collection region and seal against the lid port. This flexible membrane allows the port to be sufficiently large for efficient transfer while the flexible seal prevents dust escape through gaps. The flexible nature allows accommodation of the dirt collection region geometry while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible closure member can dynamically adjust its position and shape to accommodate the dirt collection region during emptying while maintaining contact with the lid port to prevent dust escape. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain both transfer efficiency and dust containment.
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 solution effectively prevents dust and allergens from escaping during transfer, ensuring a more complete and controlled deposition of particulate matter into the refuse container, reducing air-borne dispersal and improving hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a suction source to draw air from the container
Implementation Method 2
a flexible closure member for the cyclone assembly, which together inhibit particulate matter from escaping
Implementation Method 3
the contents of the dirt collection region may be emptied into the refuse container without removing the lid
Data Source
AI summary
A cyclone bin assembly for a surface cleaning apparatus has a flexible closure member that is moveable to a deployed position wherein a first portion of the closure member is provided on the cyclone bin assembly and a second portion of the closure member closes the upper end of a refuse container, whereby when the closure member is in the deployed position, a closed volume is provided which includes an interior volume of the refuse container and an openable door of a dirt collection region of the cyclone bin assembly is located in the closed volume.