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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handheld vacuum cleaners require disassembly to separate the power supply, leading to a large volume and limited maximum voltage supply, which affects their compactness and performance.

Innovation Solution

A handheld vacuum cleaner design with a battery housing positioned under the handle, allowing the battery to be separated and charged separately, featuring battery cells arranged in a zigzag pattern for increased charging voltage and compactness, along with a battery management unit and conductive plates for efficient power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If battery cells are laid in parallel on one layer, then the power supply structure is simple, but the volume occupied is large and the maximum voltage supply is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply structureVSAvoidpower supply volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-layer parallel arrangement to a multi-dimensional stacked configuration. Battery cells are arranged in multiple layers vertically, with conductive plates positioned between layers to establish series connections. This dimensional change increases voltage output while reducing the horizontal footprint and overall volume of the power supply unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply is segmented into multiple functional layers: battery cell layers, conductive plate layers, and insulating structure layers. Each layer serves a specific function, and the modular stacked design allows for efficient space utilization. The separation of conductive plates from battery cells creates distinct functional zones while maintaining compact integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If battery cells are laid in parallel on one layer, then the assembly process is simple, but the maximum voltage that can be supplied to the suction motor is small

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoidmaximum voltage supply
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses vertical stacking to achieve series connection of battery cells, thereby increasing voltage. The multi-layer configuration with conductive plates inserted between battery cell layers creates electrical pathways that sum the voltage of individual cells. This approach maintains relatively simple assembly procedures while dramatically improving voltage output capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Conductive plates serve as intermediary elements between battery cell layers, establishing electrical connections that enable series configuration. These plates mediate the voltage summation process by providing conductive pathways while maintaining physical separation between cell layers. The insulating structures also act as intermediaries to prevent short circuits while allowing electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If the battery is integrated into the cleaner body, then the structure is compact, but it requires disassembly to separate the power supply for charging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaner structureVSAvoidbattery separation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The battery assembly is segmented as a separate removable module from the cleaner body. The power supply unit with stacked battery cells, conductive plates, and insulating structures forms an independent battery pack that can be detached for charging. This segmentation allows the cleaner body to remain compact while enabling easy battery removal and replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The battery assembly transitions from a fixed integrated state to a removable dynamic state. The design incorporates connection and disconnection mechanisms that allow the battery pack to be easily attached to and separated from the cleaner body. This dynamic configuration enables flexible operation where the battery can be removed for charging or replacement without disassembling the cleaner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Volume of moving object

If battery cells are arranged in a zigzag pattern, then the charging voltage is increased and compactness is improved, but the battery holder structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery compactnessVSAvoidbattery holder structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs vertical stacking in the height dimension to achieve series connection of battery cells, eliminating the need for complex zigzag horizontal arrangements. This dimensional approach naturally increases voltage while maintaining compactness. The conductive plates are positioned at intermediate heights between cell layers, creating a straightforward vertical progression that simplifies the holder structure compared to zigzag configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery holder integrates multiple materials with different functions: insulating materials for structural support and electrical isolation, conductive materials for electrical connections, and structural materials for mechanical support. This composite approach allows the holder to manage the stacked configuration efficiently without requiring complex geometries, as each material zone performs its specific function within the vertical stack.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS11576545B2Cleaner
Publication Date: 2023.02.14 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US11576545B2 patent drawing
  • US11576545B2 patent drawing
  • US11576545B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a cleaner. A cleaner according to an aspect may include a battery housing and a battery separably coupled to the battery housing. The battery may include a frame, a plurality of battery cells received in the frame, a battery holder surrounding the plurality of battery cells and including a separation wall to divide the plurality of battery cells in a plurality of rows.