Robotic Vacuum Dust Bin Push-Push Release Without Exterior Grips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic vacuum cleaners face design challenges in having a removable dust container that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, as existing solutions often increase the risk of entanglement during operation and result in visible seams or grooves on the outer surface.
Innovation Solution
A robotic vacuum cleaner with a push-push mechanism that allows the dust container to be easily switched between a flush and protruding position, enabling smooth operation and easy removal without visible grips, using a push-push actuator and mechanical linkage to maintain the dust container in either condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a handle or hand-grippable feature is provided on the dust container to facilitate removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased risk of entanglement during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The handle feature is extracted from the dust container and replaced by a push surface that activates a push-push mechanism. The removal function is separated from the container body, allowing the container to remain smooth and non-engageable during operation while still enabling easy removal through the push mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A push-push mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user's pushing action and the dust container removal. This mechanism translates a simple push on the flush surface into the force required to overcome friction and extract the container, eliminating the need for direct manual gripping.
2Reliability
If a collapsible handle is provided to reduce entanglement risk, then the reliability is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible seams or grooves on the outer surface
Solution Approach 1:
The handle feature is completely extracted from the design and replaced by a flush push surface. This eliminates not only the entanglement risk but also all visible seams or grooves associated with collapsible handles, achieving both reliability and aesthetic goals simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The push surface is merged with the outer surface of the housing, creating a flush, seamless appearance. The removal functionality is integrated into the smooth surface through the push-push mechanism, eliminating any visual distinction between the push area and the rest of the housing.
3Shape
If the dust container is designed with a smooth outer surface to maintain aesthetic appearance, then the shape is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced grip ability
Solution Approach 1:
The push-push mechanism serves as an intermediary that enables removal of the smooth container without requiring direct manual gripping. The mechanism provides the necessary mechanical advantage to overcome friction and extract the container, compensating for the lack of grip features on the smooth surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The push surface itself becomes the operational interface, allowing the user to initiate removal by pushing on the smooth surface. The system uses the push action to activate the mechanism that facilitates its own removal, eliminating the need for separate grip features.
Data Source
AI summary
Robotic vacuum cleaner (1) including: a housing (100) defining a dust container reception compartment (108) that has a dust container reception opening (110) in an outer surface (102) of the housing; a dust container (200) configured to be removably receivable inside the compartment (108) via the dust opening, such that, in an operationally received condition, an outer push surface (208) of the dust container is flush with the outer surface of the housing, while in a removably received condition, the push surface (208) protrudes outwardly from said outer surface (102) of the housing; and a push-push mechanism (300) configured to maintain a received dust container in said operationally received condition when the push surface is pushed inwards into the housing and released a first time, and to force the dust container from said operationally received condition into the removably received condition when pushed inwards and released a second time.