Vacuum Cleaner Holding Plate with Planar Overlap Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding plates for vacuum cleaner filter bags face challenges in closing the passage opening in a space-saving and cost-effective manner, as previous solutions are either complex and expensive or require excessive space, and often incorporate environmentally unfriendly metal springs.

Innovation Solution

A holding plate with two closure parts arranged in a plane parallel to the passage opening, allowing for a closing movement that overlaps to block the opening, reducing the need for a single large closure element and enabling a more compact design, which can be manufactured using recycled plastics for environmental benefits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single large closure element is used to block the passage opening, then the closure function is achieved, but the holding plate requires excessive space in the sliding direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosure functionVSAvoidholding plate extension in sliding direction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The closure device is divided into two separate closure parts (first closure part and second closure part) that can move independently relative to each other in the plane of the holding plate. Each closure part blocks a portion of the passage opening, eliminating the need for a single large closure element and reducing the space required in the sliding direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If simple slide solutions are used for the locking mechanism, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the holding plate must be at least twice the extent of the through-opening in the direction of movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidholding plate area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The closure parts move within the plane of the holding plate (two-dimensional movement) rather than requiring extension in the third dimension (sliding direction perpendicular to the plate). This planar movement allows the closure mechanism to function within the limited area of the holding plate without requiring excessive extension in any single direction.

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

3Area of stationary object

If lamellar slides or rolled-up roll solutions are used, then the space requirement is reduced, but the production technology becomes relatively complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding plate areaVSAvoidproduction technology complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Both closure parts are made from the same recyclable plastic material and have similar structural characteristics, allowing them to be manufactured using the same simple molding process. This homogeneity in material and structure maintains production simplicity while achieving space-saving design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

4Extent of automation

If automatic slider solutions are used, then the operation is automated, but the extension of the holding plate in the sliding direction remains large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosure automationVSAvoidholding plate extension in sliding direction
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic closure mechanism is achieved through the interaction of two segmented closure parts that can move independently in the plane. This segmentation allows the automation function to be distributed across multiple smaller components rather than requiring a single large automated slider, thereby reducing the holding plate extension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3357392B1Holding plate for a vacuum cleaner dust bag with closure
Publication Date: 2021.09.08 EUROLIFTERS HLDG NV
  • EP3357392B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3357392B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3357392B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a holding plate 1 for a vacuum cleaner filter bag, comprising a base plate 2 in which a passage opening 3 is formed, and a closure device for closing the passage opening 3, the closure device comprising two closure parts 4, 5 which are in a plane parallel to the passage opening 3 are arranged, and wherein the closure parts 4, 5 are movable relative to one another in the plane, so that they can be moved by a closing movement in the plane into a closed position in which they close the through-opening 3 by overlapping each part with a part of the through-opening 3.