cleaner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handy cleaners face challenges in assembly due to the difficulty in combining PCBs and connecting wires, particularly due to their small size and the need for separate power and signal wire connections.

Innovation Solution

A cleaner design that includes a suction unit, a main body with a dust separation unit, and a handle unit, where the handle unit is slide-coupled to the main body, eliminating the need for screw-based assembly and separating power and signal wires, with terminals that connect mechanically when the handle unit is coupled, allowing for easier assembly and reduced terminal size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cleaner is designed with separate power supply wire and control signal wire connections, then the electrical connection reliability is improved, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power supply wire and control signal wire into a single integrated wire structure that connects the battery to the motor. This single wire contains both power transmission and control signal transmission functions, eliminating the need for separate wires and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining electrical connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated wire serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a power supply conduit and a control signal transmission medium. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall assembly process while ensuring reliable electrical connections for both power and control.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If the cleaner is designed with integrated terminal connections, then the assembly process is simplified, but the terminal size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoidterminal size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal connection is segmented into modular contact points along the integrated wire, allowing each connection point to be compact while the overall structure remains integrated. This segmentation enables simplified assembly through modular installation while controlling the size of individual terminal components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal connections are arranged in a compact three-dimensional configuration along the wire path, utilizing spatial optimization to minimize the overall terminal size while maintaining all necessary connection points for power and control signals.

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

3Loss of time

If the handle unit is slide-coupled to the main body, then the assembly time is reduced, but the connection strength decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly timeVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The slide-coupling mechanism incorporates pre-formed engagement features and alignment guides that automatically position the handle unit correctly as it slides onto the main body. This preliminary preparation of coupling features enables rapid assembly while ensuring proper alignment and adequate connection strength without requiring additional fastening steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The slide-coupling mechanism uses an intermediary engagement structure that facilitates both rapid assembly and strong connection. This intermediary mechanism allows the handle unit to slide into place quickly while maintaining sufficient connection strength through the designed engagement features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Simplifies the assembly process by eliminating the need for screw-based combination and separate wire connections, reducing the size of the terminals, and ensuring that wires are not visible externally, even if the dust container is transparent.

Implementation Method 1

a suction motor generating suction force to suck air through the suction unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction force generation:

Implementation Method 2

a main body that includes a dust separation unit for separating dust from air guided through the suction unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Data Source

PatentEP3884829B1cleaner
Publication Date: 2023.11.15 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3884829B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3884829B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3884829B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cleaner includes: a suction unit that guides dust and air; a main body that includes a dust separation unit for separating dust from air guided through the suction unit; a main body terminal mounted on the main body; a handle unit that is slide-coupled to the main body; and a handle terminal mounted on the handle unit and is connected to the main body terminal when the handle unit is slide-coupled to the main body.