Removable Dust Cup Trigger Mechanism for Hygienic Emptying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surface cleaning apparatuses require manual handling of dust cups to empty debris, exposing users to dirt and dust.

Innovation Solution

A surface cleaning apparatus with a removable compartment and trigger device system that allows for the dust cup to be emptied without direct handling, featuring a rotatable brush and motor for efficient debris collection and a dust removal door mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If manual handling of dust cup is used to empty debris, then simplicity of structure is maintained, but user exposure to dirt and dust increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser exposure to debrisVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dust cup assembly is segmented from the main body as a removable compartment, allowing it to be separated for emptying without handling the entire device. This segmentation enables the dust cup to be removed and emptied independently, reducing user exposure to debris while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A trigger device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the dust cup securing structure. By activating the trigger device, the securing structure releases the dust cup, allowing removal without direct manual handling of the dust cup itself, thus minimizing debris exposure while adding controlled complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If removable compartment with trigger device is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of dust cup removalVSAvoidsecuring structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing structure is designed to automatically release when the trigger device is activated, allowing the dust cup to be removed without complex manual manipulation. The trigger mechanism self-actuates the release, improving ease of operation while keeping the securing structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring the user to manually detach the dust cup from the securing structure, the trigger device inverts the operation by causing the securing structure to actively release the dust cup. This inversion simplifies the user's task while maintaining a straightforward securing mechanism.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If dust cup is manually handled for emptying, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but hygiene is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoiduser contact with debris
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dust cup is segmented as a separate removable compartment that can be easily manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for simple production of individual components while enabling the dust cup to be removed and emptied without direct handling, reducing debris contact while maintaining manufacturing ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger device serves as an intermediary that enables hygienic dust cup removal without complex manufacturing. The trigger mechanism uses simple mechanical linkages to release the securing structure, allowing the dust cup to be removed without user contact with debris while keeping manufacturing costs low.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8499398B2Surface cleaning apparatus
Publication Date: 2013.08.06 GREY TECHNOLOGY LTD
  • US8499398B2 patent drawing
  • US8499398B2 patent drawing
  • US8499398B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A surface cleaning apparatus with a removable compartment is provided that allows a dust cup in the removable compartment to be emptied while minimizing handling by the user. The removable compartment is removably secured within the surface cleaning apparatus. The removable compartment can be removed by activating a first trigger device. The dust cup can be emptied by activating a second trigger device.