Vacuum Cleaner Dirt Cup Latch With Sloped Rotary 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 a sloped projection on the mounting structure and a corresponding sloped surface on the filter housing to facilitate transverse movement of the dirt cup, allowing for easier attachment and detachment by rotating the filter housing relative to the mounting structure.
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 because vertical movement is cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism transitions from vertical movement (conventional) to transverse/rotational movement (invention). The filter housing rotates relative to the mounting structure, causing the dirt cup to move transversely rather than vertically. This dimensional change makes the operation more intuitive and easier, resembling the natural motion of twisting or turning a latch.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter housing serves as an intermediary between the user's manual input and the dirt cup. Instead of directly moving the dirt cup vertically, the user rotates the filter housing, which then mediates the motion to achieve transverse movement of the dirt cup through the sloped surfaces. This intermediary action simplifies the user's task while maintaining secure engagement.
2Productivity
If conventional latch mechanisms require vertical movement of the dirt cup, then the mounting structure can be simple, but the productivity deteriorates because the process of securing and removing the dirt cup is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates sloped surfaces that convert rotational motion into transverse linear motion. When the filter housing rotates, the sloped surfaces guide the dirt cup horizontally rather than vertically, enabling faster attachment and detachment. This dimensional transformation reduces the time required for operation while adding geometric complexity to the mounting structure.
3Ease of operation
If the latch mechanism uses transverse movement through sloped surfaces, then the ease of operation improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements worsen because the sloped surfaces must align precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The sloped surfaces are designed with curved or rounded profiles rather than sharp angular surfaces. This curvature provides a more tolerant interface that guides the filter housing and dirt cup through the rotational motion, reducing sensitivity to manufacturing variations. The curved surfaces naturally accommodate minor misalignments while still achieving the desired transverse movement.
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
This design simplifies the process of securing and removing the dirt cup, providing a more efficient and user-friendly mechanism for vacuum cleaner operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sloped projection on the mounting structure and a top portion configured to support a dirt cup, 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
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AI summary
A latch mechanism (158) for a dirt cup of a vacuum cleaner (10). The latch mechanism (158) can include a first sloped portion (130) provided on a mounting structure (116) for receiving a dirt cup (22) and a filter housing (86) in supporting relationship to the vacuum cleaner (10) and a second sloped portion (132) on the filter housing (86) corresponding to the first sloped portion (130). Movement of the filter housing (86) in a first direction relative to the mounting structure (116) as the first and second sloped portions (130,132) bear against each other results in the movement of the filter housing (86), and thus the dirt cup (22), in a second direction transverse to the first direction relative to the mounting structure (116).