Cleaning apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handheld vacuum cleaners have weight distribution issues, leading to user discomfort and increased risk of wrist injury, along with airflow inefficiencies due to the placement of heavy components and long air passage lengths.

Innovation Solution

The suction motor is positioned ahead of the handle, and the battery is placed behind it, with the suction motor located above the dust separation unit, minimizing the air passage length and preventing airflow discharge towards the user.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the airflow generator and power supply are disposed right over and under the handle, then the center of gravity concentrates on the handle, but this causes inconvenience for user and may injure the user's wrist

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent arrangementVSAvoiduser comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The airflow generator is repositioned from a vertical arrangement (over the handle) to a horizontal arrangement (in front of the cyclone separator along the longitudinal axis), changing the spatial dimension of component layout. This dimensional shift moves the center of gravity forward, distributing weight away from the user's wrist while maintaining compact overall structure.

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

2Device complexity

If the airflow generator is disposed behind the cyclone, then the structure is simplified, but the air channel becomes necessarily long causing large flow loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidairflow loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The conventional arrangement of placing the airflow generator behind the cyclone separator is inverted by positioning it in front of the cyclone along the longitudinal axis. This inversion shortens the air channel length and reduces the number of flow direction changes, thereby minimizing airflow loss while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Volume of moving object

If the airflow generator is disposed right over the handle, then the structure is compact, but the discharged air directly touches the user's hand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoiduser exposure to discharged air
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The airflow generator is extracted from its position directly over the handle and relocated to a position in front of the cyclone separator. This extraction removes the source of discharged air from proximity to the user's hand, eliminating the harmful effect of hot or high-velocity air contacting the user while preserving device compactness through optimized spatial arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This configuration ensures uniform weight distribution, reduces airflow loss, and prevents user exposure to discharged air, enhancing user comfort and cleaning efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a suction motor which generates suction power for allowing air to be sucked in along the suction inlet and comprises a rotationally operating impeller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpeller rotation creating suction: Impeller

Implementation Method 2

a dust separation unit provided with one or more cyclone units which generate cyclonic flow so as to separate dust from air which has been introduced through the suction inlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclonic flow separation: Cyclone Separation

Data Source

PatentEP4173535B1Cleaning apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4173535B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4173535B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4173535B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus according to one aspect comprises: a suction inlet; a suction motor which generates suction power for allowing air to be sucked in along the suction inlet and comprises a rotationally operating impeller; a dust separation unit provided with one or more cyclone units which generate cyclonic flow so as to separate dust from air which has been introduced through the suction inlet; a dust container which stores dust separated by the dust separation unit and is positioned under the suction motor; a battery which supplies power the suction motor and is positioned behind the dust container; and a handle disposed behind the suction motor, wherein the rotation axis of the impeller and the axis of the cyclonic flow extend vertically, and the extension line of the rotational axis of the impeller passes through the one or more cyclone units.