Dust Collection Unit Shutter for Spill-Free Cleaner Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning apparatuses, such as robot cleaners, face the challenge of foreign substances pouring out of the dust collection unit through the inlet when the unit is carelessly separated from the main body, leading to inefficient removal of collected debris.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus with a shutter mechanism that opens and closes the inlet in coordination with the attachment or detachment of the dust collection unit, along with a cap to control the connection hole, interlocking levers, guides, pressure members, and restoring springs, ensures that foreign substances are prevented from escaping and can be effectively removed using an external instrument.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dust collection unit is detachably installed on the main body for easy removal of foreign substances, then the ease of operation is improved, but foreign substances may pour out through the inlet during careless separation
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is pre-positioned to cover the inlet opening before the dust collection unit is detached. When the dust collection unit is separated from the main body, the shutter automatically closes the inlet in advance, preventing foreign substances from pouring out through the inlet during the separation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter acts as an intermediary element between the inlet opening and the foreign substances. It provides a protective barrier that can be selectively positioned to either allow air flow during operation or prevent substance leakage during detachment, mediating between the need for easy removal and the need to prevent spills.
2Productivity
If the inlet remains open for effective air flow during operation, then the productivity is improved, but foreign substances escape when the dust collection unit is detached
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is designed as a dynamic component that can change its position based on operational requirements. During normal operation, the shutter remains open to allow effective air flow for productivity. When the dust collection unit is detached, the shutter dynamically closes to prevent foreign substance leakage, thus adapting to different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of inlet openness based on operational mode. During cleaning operation, the inlet is open to maximize air flow and productivity. During detachment operation, the inlet parameter changes to closed state to prevent substance loss, allowing the system to optimize performance for each specific operational phase.
3Reliability
If a shutter mechanism is added to control the inlet, then foreign substances are prevented from pouring out, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism is designed to operate automatically based on the attachment/detachment state of the dust collection unit. The interlocking lever and guide structure enable the shutter to self-actuate without requiring additional control mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable prevention of foreign substance leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter control function is merged with the existing attachment/detachment mechanism of the dust collection unit. The interlocking lever that already exists for securing the dust collection unit is also used to control the shutter position, combining multiple functions into a single mechanism and avoiding the need for separate control systems.
4Ease of operation
If the shutter is automatically controlled by the attachment state, then the ease of operation is improved, but additional components like interlocking levers and guides are required
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking lever is designed as a multi-functional component that serves both to secure the dust collection unit to the main body and to control the shutter position. This universal component performs multiple functions (attachment control and shutter actuation) simultaneously, reducing the need for additional separate components while providing automatic shutter control.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter control mechanism is nested within the existing attachment structure. The interlocking lever and guide work together in a compact arrangement where the shutter mechanism is integrated into the attachment/detachment pathway, allowing automatic control without requiring separate external control systems or additional space.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning apparatus including a main body, a dust collection unit detachably installed on the main body and provided with a plurality of inlets, through which foreign substances are introduced into the dust collection unit, and a connection hole, to which an external instrument is connected, a shutter to open and close one inlet, and a cap to open and close the connection hole. The shutter opens and closes the inlet in cooperation with one of whether or not the dust collection unit is attached to or detached from the main body and whether or not the connection hole is opened or closed.