Reusable Dust Bag Removal Module for Low-Waste Vacuum Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing dust bag systems in vacuum cleaners generate significant waste and are resource-intensive due to the complexity of components and difficulty in recycling, making them unsustainable and challenging to handle during replacement.
Innovation Solution
A dust bag removal module with multiple disconnectable and connectable coupling interfaces and a decoupling device allows for easy manual handling and reuse, reducing waste and the need for frequent replacements by simplifying the placement and removal of dust bags, and incorporating a seal that remains attached to the module for easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex dust bag system with multiple components (holding plate, seal, flap) is used, then the dust bag can be securely attached and sealed, but the device complexity increases and waste generation increases due to difficulty in recycling interconnected materials
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional components: a reusable dust bag removal module and a disposable dust bag. The holding plate, seal, and flap are integrated into the permanent removal module rather than being attached to the dust bag, allowing the dust bag to be a simple, single-material component that can be easily recycled or disposed of.
Solution Approach 2:
The dust bag removal module acts as an intermediary between the vacuum cleaner and the dust bag. It provides the coupling interfaces, sealing, and retention mechanisms, while the dust bag itself becomes a simpler container that connects to this intermediate device rather than requiring its own complex attachment system.
2Reliability
If a complex dust bag system with multiple components is used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the loss of substance increases due to difficulty in recycling interconnected materials
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the dust bag from the holding plate and other retention components, each can be optimized for its specific material composition. The dust bag can be made from a single recyclable material without being combined with plastics or metals from the holding plate and seal, making recycling or composting feasible.
Solution Approach 2:
The dust bag is designed as a disposable component that can be easily discarded after use, while the expensive and complex dust bag removal module is retained and reused. This allows the simple dust bag to be recovered through recycling or composting programs without contamination from mixed materials.
3Device complexity
If the dust bag is directly attached to the vacuum cleaner, then the structure is simpler, but the ease of operation decreases during dust bag replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The dust bag removal module includes integrated features that assist the user during replacement: the gripping surface provides ergonomic handling, the decoupling device automatically releases the dust bag with simple user action, and the coupling interfaces guide proper alignment. These self-service features make the replacement process easier without requiring the dust bag itself to be complex.
4Ease of operation
If a decoupling device is added to facilitate dust bag removal, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The decoupling function is extracted as a separate, dedicated mechanism within the removal module rather than being integrated into the dust bag or the vacuum cleaner body. This specialized component simplifies the overall system by providing a clear, single-purpose interface for dust bag release.
Solution Approach 2:
The dust bag removal module serves multiple functions: it provides the coupling interface to the vacuum cleaner, holds the dust bag during operation, facilitates easy removal via the decoupling device, and includes sealing and gripping features. By consolidating these functions in one universal component, the overall system complexity is reduced despite the added functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a dust bag removal module (1) for manual installation in a vacuum cleaner (2) and for manual removal from the vacuum cleaner (2), wherein the dust bag removal module (1) has a first coupling interface (3) that can be separated and connected multiple times for separation and connection with the vacuum cleaner (2) and a second coupling interface (4) that can be separated and connected multiple times for separation and connection with a dust bag (5), wherein the dust bag removal module (1) has a gripping surface (6) for manual grasping of the dust bag removal module (1) during removal and separation of the first coupling interface (3) from the vacuum cleaner (2) as well as during the installation and connection of the first coupling interface (3) with the vacuum cleaner (2),and wherein the dust bag removal module (1) has a decoupling device (7) for manually disconnecting the connection to the dust bag (5) at the second coupling interface (4) and a vacuum cleaner (2) with such a dust bag removal module (1).