Filter Arrangement with Moveable Actuation Portion for Easy Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum cleaners face challenges in incorporating pre- and post-filters into a single package that is space-efficient, ergonomic, and easy to access, while also requiring frequent filter washing that is inconvenient due to the need to handle multiple filters.
Innovation Solution
A filter arrangement with a filter enclosure and a moveable actuation portion that transitions between latched and unlatched states, allowing easy removal and installation of filters through intuitive movements, and a dual-function actuation portion for sealing and latching, reducing the number of components and simplifying filter handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If pre- and post-filters are incorporated into a single package, then packaging constraints are reduced and filter handling is simplified, but the filter arrangement becomes more complex to design and integrate into the vacuum cleaner
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation portion is designed to be moveable between different positions (first position within the enclosure opening, second position elevated above it) to dynamically change the state of the retention means. This dynamic mechanism allows the filter to be easily inserted and removed by simple movement of the actuation portion, resolving the contradiction between simplified filter handling and design complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing means automatically returns the actuation portion to its elevated second position after the filter is inserted or removed, without requiring manual intervention. This self-service feature simplifies the overall operation while the integrated retention means provides secure automatic latching, addressing both ease of operation and the complexity of maintaining proper filter engagement.
2Ease of operation
If the actuation portion is elevated above the enclosure opening, then user grip and control are improved, but the filter arrangement occupies more space within the vacuum cleaner
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation portion utilizes the vertical dimension by moving between a first position within the enclosure opening plane and a second position elevated above it. This vertical movement provides user grip without requiring additional horizontal space, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and space occupation.
3Ease of operation
If the retention means is operated by moving the actuation portion in the insertion direction, then filter removal is simplified, but the mechanism requires more components and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation portion serves multiple functions: it acts as the user interface for operation, operates the retention means through its movement, and serves as the biased element that returns to its neutral position. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall mechanism by reducing the number of separate components needed, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and mechanism complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter arrangement for a vacuum cleaning appliance includes: a filter enclosure having an enclosure opening; a filter configured to be received through the enclosure opening into the filter enclosure in an insertion direction; and retention means operable between latched and unlatched states for releasably retaining the filter in the filter enclosure. The filter includes an actuation portion configured to operate the retention means, wherein the actuation portion is moveable between at least first and second positions and is biased towards the second position. When the filter is in the filter enclosure, movement of the actuation portion in the insertion direction from the first position to a depressed position transitions the retention means to the unlatched state, whereinafter the actuation portion is moved to the second position in which at least a part of the actuation portion is elevated above the enclosure opening.