Docking Station Dust Discharge for Cyclone Vacuum Cleaners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vacuum cleaners require manual discharge of dust from the dust collecting chamber, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A docking station with a suction device and flow rate regulator that automatically discharges dust from the dust collecting chamber when the vacuum cleaner is docked, using an intake flow path and a controller to manage the suction and air flow for efficient dust removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual discharge of dust is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust discharge efficiencyVSAvoiddocking station structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum cleaner automatically discharges dust by docking with the station and utilizing the suction force generated by its own fan motor, without requiring external assistance or complex automated discharge mechanisms in the station. The system serves itself by using its own resources (fan motor suction) to accomplish the dust discharge function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The docking station serves multiple functions: it acts as a charging station for the battery and simultaneously functions as a dust discharge station. The integrated design allows the vacuum cleaner to recharge and discharge dust through the same docking interface, reducing the need for separate structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If automatic dust discharge is implemented, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust discharge efficiencyVSAvoiddocking station structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum cleaner automatically discharges dust by docking with the station and utilizing the suction force generated by its own fan motor, without requiring external assistance or complex automated discharge mechanisms in the station. The system serves itself by using its own resources (fan motor suction) to accomplish the dust discharge function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of the docking station providing suction force to discharge dust (which would require complex mechanisms), the invention inverts the approach by having the vacuum cleaner's fan motor provide the suction force. The station merely provides the docking interface and collection container, simplifying its structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Loss of time

If user manually discharges dust, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust discharge timeVSAvoiddocking operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dust discharge process is automatically initiated when the vacuum cleaner docks with the station, eliminating the need for users to manually open containers or operate discharge mechanisms. The docking action itself triggers the discharge sequence, saving time and effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The vacuum cleaner automatically discharges dust by docking with the station and utilizing the suction force generated by its own fan motor, without requiring external assistance or complex automated discharge mechanisms in the station. The system serves itself by using its own resources (fan motor suction) to accomplish the dust discharge function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enables automatic and efficient discharge of dust, reducing user effort and improving cleaning convenience by integrating the dust discharge process into the vacuum cleaner's docking mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

a suction device (130) configured to discharge the foreign substance accumulated in the dust collecting chamber (20) to the outside through an intake flow path (132)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP4005452B1Cleaning apparatus having vacuum cleaner and docking station
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4005452B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4005452B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4005452B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a cleaning apparatus including a vacuum cleaner 10 and a docking station 100. The cleaning apparatus includes a vacuum cleaner including a dust collecting chamber 20 in which foreign substances are collected, and a docking station 100 configured to be connected to the dust collecting chamber 20 to remove the foreign substances collected in the dust collecting chamber 20. The dust collecting chamber 20 is configured to collect foreign substances through centrifugation, and configured to be docked to the docking station 100, and the docking station 100 includes a suction device 130 configured to suction the foreign substances and air in the dust collecting chamber docked to the docking station 100.