Vacuum Cleaner Dirt Cup Latch With Sloped Cam Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional latch mechanisms for vacuum cleaners require vertical movement of the dirt cup to secure or remove it, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism that uses sloped projections on both the mounting structure and filter housing, allowing the filter housing to move in one direction and the dirt cup to move transversely, enabling secure attachment and easy removal through rotational motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional latch mechanisms directly engage the dirt cup and require vertical movement to secure or remove it, then the latch mechanism can be simple in structure, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome vertical movement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the conventional vertical movement operation into rotational movement by introducing sloped surfaces that convert radial motion into axial motion. The dirt cup moves radially inward during rotation, and the sloped surfaces guide this conversion, changing the dimension of operation from vertical translation to rotational motion with radial component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism consisting of sloped surfaces and a cam-like structure that mediates between the rotational input and the radial/axial movement of the dirt cup. This intermediary converts the user's rotational action into the necessary radial inward movement for secure attachment, simplifying the user's task while maintaining functional complexity internally.
2Productivity
If the latch mechanism uses vertical movement to secure the dirt cup, then the mechanical structure can be straightforward, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming attachment and removal operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dimensional transformation by converting linear vertical movement into rotational motion with radial component. The sloped surfaces create a mechanical advantage where rotational motion naturally produces radial inward movement, accelerating the attachment process while hiding the mechanical complexity within the sloped surface geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism utilizes dynamic motion conversion where the cam-like sloped surfaces transform the user's rotational input into accelerated radial movement of the dirt cup. This dynamic transformation allows rapid attachment and removal while the internal dynamic mechanism remains concealed within the sloped surface structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional latch mechanisms are used with direct engagement, then the device structure can be simple, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to precision requirements for vertical alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing dimension from precise vertical alignment to rotational positioning with radial engagement. The sloped surfaces are designed to guide the dirt cup radially inward during rotation, converting the manufacturing challenge from vertical alignment precision to rotational stop positioning, which is easier to manufacture with standard tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism employs asymmetric sloped surfaces that are easier to manufacture than symmetric vertical alignment features. The cam-like asymmetric profile naturally guides the dirt cup into the correct position during rotational motion, eliminating the need for precise vertical alignment while maintaining secure engagement.
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 secure attachment and easy removal of the dirt cup, improving user experience by simplifying the process and reducing mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sloped projection on the mounting structure and a filter housing having at least one sloped surface at a position corresponding to the position of the sloped projection on the mounting structure, wherein movement of the filter housing in a first direction relative to the mounting structure, with the at least one sloped surface bearing against the at least one sloped projection, results in the movement of the filter housing, and thus the dirt cup, in a second direction transverse to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A latch mechanism for a dirt cup of a vacuum cleaner. The latch mechanism can include a first sloped portion provided on a mounting structure for receiving a dirt cup and a filter housing in supporting relationship to the vacuum cleaner and a second sloped portion on the filter housing corresponding to the first sloped portion. Movement of the filter housing in a first direction relative to the mounting structure as the first and second sloped portions bear against each other results in the movement of the filter housing, and thus the dirt cup, in a second direction transverse to the first direction relative to the mounting structure.