Vacuum Cleaner Filter Bag Holding Plate With Dust-Shielded Closure Spring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding plates for vacuum cleaner filter bags with automatic locking mechanisms are prone to failure due to dust and foreign bodies accumulating around spring elements, leading to incomplete closure of the passage opening.

Innovation Solution

A holding plate design where an elastic element is partially or completely covered by a cover element, shielding it from contaminants, ensuring the spring force is maintained for reliable locking, with the cover element being made of materials like foil, non-woven fabric, or paper, and connected to the base plate or closure flap in a detachable manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spring elements are exposed in the dust compartment, then the locking mechanism can be simple in structure, but dust and foreign bodies accumulate around the spring elements causing unreliable locking function

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoiddust accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A cover element is introduced as an intermediary component between the elastic element and the dust-laden environment. This cover element selectively shields the elastic element from dust and foreign bodies while still allowing the closure flap to interact with the elastic element for locking functionality, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover element is designed as a thin, flexible structure that can be integrated into the existing holding plate design. This thin-film approach provides protection against dust accumulation without significantly increasing device complexity or interfering with the mechanical operation of the locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If the elastic element is covered by a cover element, then contamination is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the elastic element from dust, maintains the prestressing force, and allows interaction with the closure flap. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving reliable protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the closure flap is prestressed in the closed position, then the locking function is improved, but a force must be applied to open the shutter which may not be sufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoidopening force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The elastic element provides continuous prestressing force that automatically adapts to the operating conditions. When opening is required, the applied force overcomes the prestress; when closing, the prestress automatically returns the flap to the locked position, balancing reliability with ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution enhances the functional reliability of the locking mechanism by preventing contamination from affecting the elastic element, allowing the closure flap to return to the closed position effectively, even in dusty environments, and is cost-effective for large-scale production.

Implementation Method 1

The closure flap is prestressed in the closed position via the elastic element. When the closure flap is in the open position, it is subjected to a force in the closing direction via the elastic element. After the force acting in the opening direction has ceased, this force causes the closure flap to return to the closed position.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The present invention prevents or reduces the deposit of such interfering elements in that the elastic element is at least partially covered by the cover element and is thus shielded from the environment. During operation, therefore, no or fewer contaminants get into areas of the spring in which such contaminants could adversely affect the function of the elastic element.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical shielding: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP3219237B1Holding plate with improved closure element
Publication Date: 2018.05.09 EUROLIFTERS HLDG NV
  • EP3219237B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3219237B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3219237B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

The invention relates to a holding plate (2) for a vacuum cleaner filter bag, comprising a base plate in which a passage opening (3) is formed and a closure flap (5) for closing the passage opening (3), the closure flap (5) having an elastic element (7; 10) is pretensioned in the closed position, and a cover element (9) connected to the base plate, the closing flap (5) and/or the elastic element (7) is provided, which partially or completely covers the elastic element (7). .