Motor Filter Holding Grid Locking for One-Handed Vacuum Cleaner Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing canister vacuum cleaners with foldable retaining grids for motor protection filters require both hands to change the filter, and the grids often automatically return to the closed position, making it inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable holding grid with locking mechanisms that allow the grid to be locked in the open position, enabling one-handed filter changes and secure closure, using a latching system with a detent and recess for reliable locking and easy release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a foldable retaining grid with film hinge is used, then the grid can be compact when closed, but the user needs both hands to change the filter and the grid automatically returns to closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is pre-positioned on the retaining grid and housing. When the grid is opened to a specific angle, the detent automatically engages with the recess, holding the grid in the open position without requiring the user to continuously hold it open with their hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining grid's own structure includes the locking mechanism components (detent and recess), allowing it to lock itself in the open position and unlock itself when closed, eliminating the need for separate manual locking operations.
2Ease of operation
If a locking mechanism is added to the retaining grid, then one-handed filter replacement is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, simple mechanical feature (detent and recess) from the overall retaining grid structure, rather than integrating it into the film hinge mechanism itself. This allows the locking function to be added with minimal impact on the existing design.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses simple, inexpensive plastic components (detent and recess) that are molded into the retaining grid and housing, avoiding the need for metal springs, cam mechanisms, or complex linkage systems.
3Reliability
If the locking means is positioned far from the hinged side, then locking is effective, but the design complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is localized to a specific region of the retaining grid (the area near the hinged side), rather than requiring a distributed locking system. The detent and recess are positioned to work together at a single point, providing effective locking with minimal structural modification.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The cleaner has a holding grid (20) holding a motor protection filter (18), and arranged between a dust chamber and motor chamber in a swivelable manner. A locking unit locks the holding grid in a swiveling position. The locking unit is arranged in an area in a hinged side of the holding grid. A resting nose (24) and a recess (26) serve as the locking unit for locking the holding grid, where the recess corresponds to the resting nose. The recess has a projection (28) that is contactable by the resting nose. The projection protrudes over a surface, in which the recess is formed.