Apparatus for attaching a filter bag to a vacuum sweeper, such a filter bag and a method of attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of filter bags that do not meet manufacturer specifications can reduce the performance and safety of vacuum sweepers, posing a risk during operation and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A filter bag with a top plate featuring a key and an apparatus comprising a sled and lock system that ensures proper attachment to the vacuum sweeper, preventing the installation of non-standard filter bags by interlocking the key and lock for secure fit and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If filter bags are made by unauthorized manufacturers or do not meet specifications, then cost and availability may improve, but performance and safety are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the filter bag with a specific geometric shape that includes a protrusion feature before installation. This pre-formed geometry enables the lock-and-key mechanism to function, ensuring that only properly shaped filter bags can be installed. The protrusion is created during manufacturing, so the verification mechanism is built into the product itself rather than requiring separate verification steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary mechanism - the geometric key-and-lock system consisting of the protrusion on the filter bag and the corresponding recess in the vacuum cleaner housing. This intermediary geometric interface acts as a mediator that verifies compatibility between the filter bag and vacuum cleaner, allowing only specification-compliant filter bags to be installed while blocking non-compliant ones.
2Reliability
If a lock and key system is implemented to ensure proper filter bag attachment, then reliability and performance are maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the verification function into two separate components: the protrusion feature on the filter bag and the corresponding recess feature in the vacuum cleaner housing. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and simply, while their combination creates the verification mechanism. The complexity is distributed rather than concentrated in a single complex device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses local quality by implementing the verification mechanism through localized geometric features - a specific protrusion at a specific location on the filter bag and a corresponding recess at a specific location in the housing. Rather than requiring the entire filter bag or housing to be complex, only specific local areas have the verification features, keeping the overall design simple while achieving reliable verification.
Data Source
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AI summary
A filter bag (20) and an apparatus (78) for attaching the filter bag (20) to a vacuum sweeper (10) are provided. The filter bag includes a top plate (24) and a bag portion (22). The top plate (24) has a key (50) formed thereon. The apparatus (78) includes a sled (80) configured to receive a portion (24/22) of the filter bag (20) having a key formed thereon. The apparatus also includes a sweeper housing (12). The sweeper housing is adjacent the sled (80). The housing has a cavity (14) for receiving the portion of the filter bag and a lock (56) that interconnects with the key. A method for installing the filter bag in the vacuum sweeper (10) is also provided.