Cyclonic vacuum cleaner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaners face difficulties in cleaning the dust discharge part of the second cyclone unit, as it is often blocked and hard to access, especially in cyclonic separating apparatus designs where the cone-shaped opening is internal and difficult for users to reach.

Innovation Solution

A cleaner design where the guide unit is separable from the main body, exposing the dust discharge part of the second cyclone unit for easy cleaning, and includes a filter part to filter air flowing to the second cyclone unit, allowing for the separation and cleaning of both the second cyclone unit and filter part.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the cone-shaped opening is disposed inside the cover on the upper portion of the dust collector, then the structure is compact and integrated, but the dust discharge part becomes difficult for users to access and clean

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrationVSAvoidaccessibility for cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The guide unit is divided into a separable component that can be detached from the main body. When separated, the dust discharge part of the second cyclone unit becomes accessible for cleaning. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain integration during operation while enabling easy access for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guide unit transitions from a fixed state to a movable/separable state. During operation, the guide unit remains coupled to maintain sealing; during cleaning, it can be separated to expose the dust discharge part. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between structural integration and cleaning accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If the second cyclone unit is disposed inside the main body, then the device maintains a compact form, but the dust discharge part becomes blocked and difficult to clean

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidcleanability of dust discharge part
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The guide unit containing the second cyclone unit is segmented as a separable component. When separated, the dust discharge part becomes accessible for cleaning while the main body remains compact. This allows the device to maintain small volume during operation while enabling easy cleaning when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the guide unit is separable from the main body, then the dust discharge part becomes accessible for cleaning, but the sealing between the guide unit and second cyclone unit must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility for cleaningVSAvoidsealing integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guide unit is designed with dynamic coupling capability - securely attached during operation to maintain sealing, but easily separable for cleaning. The contact rib and sealing member configuration allows the unit to transition between these states while maintaining reliability in both configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A sealing member is introduced as an intermediary element between the guide unit and the second cyclone unit. This sealing member maintains the sealing relationship when coupled, while allowing separation when cleaning is needed, thus resolving the contradiction between accessibility and sealing integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Facilitates easy cleaning of the dust discharge part of the second cyclone unit, prevents blockages, and maintains a sealed contact between the guide unit and the second cyclone unit, improving user convenience by allowing foreign substances like hairs to be discharged without direct handling.

Implementation Method 1

a first cyclone unit separating the air and the dust, which are suctioned through the suction unit, from each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 2

a second cyclone unit separating the dust from the air discharged from the first cyclone unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Data Source

PatentEP3984427B1Cyclonic vacuum cleaner
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3984427B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3984427B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3984427B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cleaner includes a suction unit 5 guiding air and dust, a main body 2 including a first cyclone unit 110 separating the air and the dust, which are suctioned through the suction unit 5, from each other and a second cyclone unit 130 separating the dust from the air discharged from the first cyclone unit 110, and a guide unit 160 disposed in the main body 2 to partition a first dust storage part 121, in which the dust separated in the first cyclone unit 110 is stored, and a second dust storage part 123, in which the dust separated in the second cyclone unit 130 is stored, from each other. The guide unit 160 is separably coupled to the main body 2, and when the guide unit 160 is separated from the main body 2, a dust discharge part 123 of the second cyclone unit 130 is exposed to the outside.