Dust Collection Container Layout to Prevent Suction Inlet Clogging

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Solution Overview

Problem

In robot vacuum cleaners, dirt accumulates at the suction inlet of the dust collection box, blocking the suction path and reducing the effective use of space, leading to frequent cleaning needs.

Innovation Solution

A dust collection container with a blocking member that separates the case body into a dust chamber and a diversion chamber, featuring a barrier piece opposite the suction inlet to create a slow flow area, directing dirt away from the suction inlet and into the dust chamber, thus preventing blockage and extending the time before cleaning is required.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If gas flows through the shortest path from suction inlet to exhaust, then the vacuum cleaner operates efficiently, but dirt accumulates at the suction inlet blocking the path

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidsuction inlet blockage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dust collection box is divided into multiple chambers (first dust collection chamber, second dust collection chamber, and diversion chamber) separated by blocking members. This segmentation creates multiple flow paths for gas and dirt, preventing concentration at a single suction inlet while maintaining efficient airflow through the shortest paths in each chamber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking members are positioned at different heights (first blocking member at first height, second blocking member at second height) to create three-dimensional flow paths. This vertical dimensionality allows gas to flow through multiple levels and chambers, distributing dirt accumulation across different spatial zones rather than concentrating it at the suction inlet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the suction inlet is used for all dirt collection, then the structure is simple, but the space utilization is poor and cleaning frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoideffective space utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The internal space of the dust collection box is segmented into multiple chambers (first and second dust collection chambers) using blocking members positioned at different heights. This creates distinct storage zones that effectively utilize the available volume while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking members with barrier pieces create nested flow paths where gas flows through multiple chambers in sequence. The first dust collection chamber and second dust collection chamber are effectively nested within the overall dust collection box structure, maximizing space utilization through hierarchical organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If a barrier piece is added to create slow flow area, then dirt distribution is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirt distributionVSAvoidblocking member structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier piece is positioned locally at a specific location on the blocking member (opposite the suction inlet) rather than redesigning the entire structure. This localized modification creates the necessary slow flow area to improve dirt distribution while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier piece acts as an intermediary element between the blocking member and the gas flow. It mediates the airflow by creating a slow flow area that allows dirt to distribute properly into the dust collection chamber, serving as a simple yet effective intermediate structure that resolves the dirt distribution issue.

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

This design effectively uses all spaces within the dust collection container, reducing the frequency of cleaning and prolonging the operational time of the vacuum cleaner by preventing dirt accumulation at the suction inlet, thereby enhancing the efficiency and usability of the robot vacuum cleaner.

Implementation Method 1

through rotation of the air-extracting fan, a negative pressure state is formed inside the vacuum cleaner, so as to produce an inward suction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure state: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

produce an inward suction, thereby sucking away the dirt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS8528162B2Dust collection container and vacuum cleaner having the same

Publication Date: 2013.09.10 IROBOT CORP

AI summary

A dust collection container, capable of being installed in a vacuum cleaner, includes a case body and a blocking member. The blocking member is disposed in the case body to separate the case body into a dust chamber and a diversion chamber, a suction inlet corresponding to the dust chamber and an exhaust opening corresponding to the diversion chamber are disposed in the case body, and a barrier piece is disposed at the blocking member opposite to the suction inlet, so as to form a slow flow area between the barrier piece and the suction inlet to effectively disperse dirt.