Dust box and cleaning robot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot vacuum cleaners' dust collection systems fail to effectively separate air from dust, leading to poor air quality and frequent HEPA filter replacements due to dust direct contact, which is inconvenient and reduces filter lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A dust collection box with a separation structure at the air inlet and a filter holder with an opening for air filtration, where most dust is blocked by the separation structure, allowing only a small amount of dust to reach the filter, prolonging its service life and reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dust is directly sucked into the dust collection box without pre-separation, then the HEPA filter can effectively filter the dust, but the filter service life is short and requires frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter service lifeVSAvoidfilter replacement frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dust collection box is segmented into multiple functional zones: a dust separation cavity with a baffle structure for preliminary dust-d air separation, and a filtration cavity with the HEPA filter for final air purification. This segmentation allows different stages of dust removal to occur in separate locations, protecting the filter from direct dust contact and extending its service life while reducing replacement frequency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A baffle structure is installed in the dust separation cavity to perform preliminary action by separating most dust particles from the air flow before the air reaches the HEPA filter. This pre-separation reduces the dust load on the filter, thereby extending its service life and reducing the need for frequent replacements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If only a HEPA filter is used for dust separation, then air filtration is achieved, but the air and dust are not effectively separated and discharged air quality is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair discharge qualityVSAvoiddust separation structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The internal space is divided into a dust separation cavity and a filtration cavity by a baffle structure. The dust separation cavity handles the heavy-duty dust particle removal, while the filtration cavity handles fine air purification. This segmentation enables effective dust-air separation and high-quality air discharge without requiring an overly complex single-stage system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The baffle structure acts as an intermediary element between the air inlet and the HEPA filter. It performs the intermediate function of removing large dust particles from the air flow, allowing the HEPA filter to focus on fine particle filtration. This intermediary structure improves air discharge quality while keeping the overall system design manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively purifies the air by separating it from dust, prolonging the filter's lifespan and reducing the frequency of replacements, thus enhancing user convenience and air quality.

Implementation Method 1

a separation structure configured to block dust, and arranged in the box body and located at an air inlet side of the opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDust blocking: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the air enters the filter through the opening, and the air is filtered by the filter which separates air from a small amount of dust

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3741280B1Dust box and cleaning robot
Publication Date: 2023.07.05 MIDEA ROBOZONE TECH CO LTD
  • EP3741280B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3741280B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3741280B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A dust collection box (10) and a robot vacuum cleaner (100) are disclosed. The dust collection box (10) is used in the robot vacuum cleaner (100). The dust collection box (10) includes a box body (12), a filter holder (14) arranged in the box body (12), a separation structure (16) configured to block dust, and a filter (18). The box body (12) is provided with an air inlet (122) and an air outlet (124). The filter holder (14) is provided with an opening (142) in a lateral surface thereof. The separation structure (16) is arranged in the box body (12) and located at an air inlet side of the opening (142). The filter (18) is arranged to the filter holder (14) and located at an air outlet side of the opening (142).