Dust box and automatic cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic cleaning apparatuses, such as robot vacuum cleaners, often face the issue of missed assembly of the filter screen assembly after cleaning, leading to inefficient operation and user error during reassembly.
Innovation Solution
A dust box with an elastic sheet assembly that rotates relative to the second side wall, preventing the lid from snapping onto the body unless the filter screen assembly is properly installed, thereby reminding the user to ensure correct assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dust box lid is designed to snap onto the body freely for easy operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of proper filter screen assembly is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic sheet assembly is pre-configured in a blocked position that prevents lid closure unless the filter screen assembly is properly installed. This preliminary positioning of the elastic sheet creates a conditional closure mechanism that ensures proper assembly before operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic sheet assembly acts as an intermediary component between the lid and body, mediating the closure process. It physically blocks the protruding portion of the lid from engaging with the groove unless the filter screen assembly is correctly positioned, thereby ensuring reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the elastic sheet assembly is positioned to block lid closure when filter screen is missing, then the reliability of filter screen assembly is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic sheet assembly utilizes a flexible, thin-walled structure that can elastically deform between blocked and non-blocked positions. This flexible design achieves the reliability function without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms, motors, or sensors, thereby minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic sheet assembly automatically transitions between blocked and non-blocked positions based on the presence or absence of the filter screen assembly, without requiring external control systems. The protruding portion of the lid itself serves as the actuating force, making the system self-regulating and reducing overall device complexity.
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
Prevents missed assembly of the filter screen by requiring correct installation before the dust box lid can be closed, enhancing user interaction and reducing errors during reassembly.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member, which causes the rotating member to be biased at the first position
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a dust box and an automatic cleaning apparatus. The dust box includes a dust box body, including a bottom wall and a side wall disposed around an edge of the bottom wall, the side wall extending from the bottom wall in a direction away from the bottom wall, and the bottom wall and the side wall enclosing an accommodation space; and a dust box lid, pivotally connected to a first side wall of the dust box body and covering a top of the accommodation space, a second side wall of the dust box having an elastic sheet assembly pivotally and elastically connected to the second side wall, and the elastic sheet assembly being rotatable relative to the second side wall about a first axis; and the dust box lid having a protruding portion configured to cooperate with the elastic sheet assembly when the dust box lid covers the top of the accommodation space.