Dirt separation device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning apparatuses with dirt separation devices face ergonomic issues due to cumbersome operation of latches, potential dirt contamination during emptying, and manufacturing challenges such as unreliable operation and costly components, especially with cyclonic separators where dirt can become lodged and require manual agitation.
Innovation Solution
A dirt separation device with a rotationally movable actuator device and engagement part that opens the cover member along an arcuate path, allowing easy access to the dirt collection chamber without manual force application, and incorporating a cyclonic separator with a shroud and separate collection chambers for coarse and fine dust, facilitating dirt removal under gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch with a user graspable portion is used to close the cover member, then the cover member can be secured, but the user's hand comes into contact with dirt during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the rod member extending through the housing) that allows the user to operate the latch from a remote position. The user graspable portion is provided on the housing rather than on the cover member itself, creating a physical barrier that prevents direct contact between the user's hand and the dirt collection chamber while still enabling secure closure of the cover member.
2Ease of operation
If a rod member moves in linear motion to release the latch, then the latch can be operated remotely, but sufficient force must be applied making it cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the linear motion mechanism into a rotational motion mechanism. The actuator device rotates about an axis to drive the rod member, which in turn rotates the cover member along an arcuate path. This rotational mechanism reduces the force required compared to linear motion while maintaining remote operation capability, as rotation naturally provides mechanical advantage through the arcuate movement path.
3Ease of operation
If the user graspable portion is on the housing, then remote operation is possible, but the housing moves unless a balancing force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuator device with the housing structure, where the actuator device is integrated into the housing rather than being a separate component. The rod member is fixed to the housing and extends through it, creating a stable anchored system. When the user operates the latch, the force is transmitted through the rod member to the cover member without causing the housing to move, as the housing serves as the stable reference frame for the entire mechanism.
4Reliability
If a cyclonic separator is used, then dirt separation is effective, but dirt becomes lodged and requires manual agitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a rotation mechanism that automatically agitates the dirt in the collection chamber during the normal operation of opening the cover. As the actuator device rotates to open the cover, it simultaneously rotates the dirt collection chamber or the separator assembly, which loosens and agitates any compacted dirt. This preliminary agitation action occurs automatically as part of the opening sequence, preparing the dirt for easy removal without requiring separate manual agitation steps.
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 enhances ergonomic operation by reducing manual force requirements, prevents dirt contamination, and simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for additional components like hooks or latches, while effectively loosening and removing compressed dirt during rotation, ensuring efficient emptying of the dirt collection chamber.
Implementation Method 1
a separator in the form of a cyclonic separator which causes dirt-laden air to flow in a swirling motion around the body of the separator to cause the dirt to separate from the dirt-laden air
Implementation Method 2
causes dirt-laden air to flow in a swirling motion around the body of the separator to cause the dirt to separate from the dirt-laden air
Implementation Method 3
dirt falls out of the dirt collection chamber as the cover member opens
Data Source
AI summary
A dirt separation device for a surface cleaning apparatus including: a separator for separating dirt from dirt-laden air; an inlet through which dirt-laden air is drawn into the separator; an outlet through which cleaner air exits the separator; a dirt collection chamber for receiving separated dirt; a cover member movable between a first position in which the cover member inhibits access to the dirt collection chamber and a second position in which the cover member permits access to the dirt collection chamber; an actuator device coupled to the cover member for effecting movement of the cover member from the first position to the second position, wherein the actuator device is rotationally movable, or an engagement part operably connected to the actuator device is rotationally movable, to effect movement of the closing member from the first position to the second position.