Handheld Vacuum Cyclone Layout for Cleaner Dirt Emptying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handheld vacuum cleaners require users to twist their hand to empty the cyclonic collector, making the process awkward and increasing the risk of coming into contact with dirt.

Innovation Solution

A handheld vacuum cleaner with a cyclonic separating unit and a pistol grip handle inclined at an angle of 85 to 140 degrees, allowing the cyclonic separating unit to pivot open for ergonomic and intuitive emptying, directing dirt away from the user.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the cyclonic separator extends alongside the handle with the collector base pivotally mounted to the outer wall, then the structure is simple and compact, but the user must twist their hand to direct dirt away from themselves into the waste bin

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidemptying ergonomics
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cyclonic separator is positioned asymmetrically above the handle rather than alongside it, creating an elevated discharge position that naturally directs dirt away from the user's hand and body during emptying, eliminating the need for awkward hand twisting motions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge opening is positioned in a different spatial dimension (elevated above the handle) rather than at the same level, allowing gravity to naturally direct debris away from the user's hand and body during the emptying process

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

2Ease of operation

If the collector base is held closed by a catch that allows swinging open, then the mechanism is simple to operate, but there is increased risk of the user coming into contact with dirt during emptying

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening mechanism simplicityVSAvoiddirt contact risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cyclonic separator's asymmetric positioning above the handle creates an inherent safety advantage where the discharge opening naturally directs debris away from the user's hand and body, reducing dirt contact risk without complicating the opening mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

By elevating the discharge opening to a higher dimension above the handle, the design uses gravity and spatial positioning to direct debris away from the user, reducing harmful contact while maintaining simple catch-operated opening

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

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

Enables easy and safe emptying of the dirt collector without changing the user's grip, reducing the risk of dirt contact and improving the overall cleaning experience.

Implementation Method 1

a cyclonic separating unit having a longitudinal axis and a dirt collector at one end of the cyclonic separating unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 2

cyclonic separator comprises a collector for collecting dirt separated by the cyclonic separator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3349633B1Vacuum cleaner
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 DYSON TECH LTD
  • EP3349633B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3349633B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3349633B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) comprising a handle 6 by which the vacuum cleaner (2) is supported during normal use and a cyclonic separating unit (8) having a longitudinal axis and a dirt collector (38, 51) at one end of the cyclonic separating unit (8). The cyclonic separating unit (8) comprises an end portion (26) having a closed configuration in which dirt is retained within the dirt collector (38, 51) and an open configuration for the removal of dirt from the dirt collector (38, 51). The handle (6) has a pistol grip configuration in which the handle (6) is inclined with respect to the cyclonic separating unit (8) to form an angle of not less than (85) degrees and not greater than 140 degrees between the handle (6) and the longitudinal axis X of the cyclonic separating unit (8).