Collecting container for a cleaning device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices, particularly suction devices like vacuum cleaners and robots, face inefficiencies in emptying dirt collection containers, which can lead to frequent emptying and clogging of brushes due to contaminants like fibers during automated emptying processes.
Innovation Solution
A dirt collection container with separate inlet and outlet openings that can be rotated between receiving and delivery positions, allowing for efficient and automatic emptying without compromising cleaning quality, using a cylindrical inner container and casing that twist relative to each other to selectively open and close these openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the collection container uses a single opening for both dirt intake and emptying, then the device structure is simpler, but the cleaning brush becomes clogged with fibers during automated emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The collection container is divided into functionally separate openings: a first opening for dirt intake during cleaning operations and a second opening for dirt discharge during emptying operations. This segmentation prevents fibers from the cleaning brush from being drawn into the container during emptying, thereby preventing brush clogging while maintaining structural feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The container incorporates a rotatable inner container that can switch between a receiving position (where the first opening is open for dirt intake) and a discharge position (where the second opening is open for dirt discharge). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its opening configuration based on operational mode, preventing brush contamination during automated emptying.
2Reliability
If the collection container is emptied frequently due to small volume, then the container can be kept cleaner between emptyings, but the user effort and time required for emptying increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collection container is equipped with an automated emptying mechanism that can discharge accumulated dirt without user intervention. The rotatable inner container, when positioned in the discharge position, allows dirt to be automatically removed through the second opening, enabling the system to service itself and eliminate manual emptying efforts.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic rotation mechanism allows the container to switch between receiving and discharge positions, enabling automated emptying cycles. This reduces the frequency and effort of manual user intervention while maintaining container cleanliness between emptyings through regular automated discharge.
3Device complexity
If the collection container uses a single opening for both intake and discharge, then the device structure is simpler, but the airflow paths for cleaning and emptying interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure is segmented into separate first and second openings for dirt intake and discharge respectively. This segmentation creates dedicated airflow paths: one for drawing dirt into the container during cleaning operations and another for expelling dirt during emptying operations, eliminating airflow interference and improving overall system productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable inner container dynamically configures which opening is active based on operational mode. During cleaning operations, the first opening is positioned to receive dirt with optimized airflow. During emptying operations, the container rotates to position the second opening for dirt discharge with separate airflow path, preventing interference between the two functions.
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
Enables reliable and efficient automatic emptying of the collection container, preventing brush clogging and maintaining cleaning quality by directing airflow through dedicated paths for both collection and disposal, reducing user effort and maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
The airflow carries the dirt from the suction nozzle into a dirt collection container
Implementation Method 2
The collection container can be designed to switch between a receiving position, in which the inlet opening is open and the outlet opening is closed, and a discharge position, in which the outlet opening is open and the inlet opening is closed, by means of a rotary movement of at least one part
Implementation Method 3
The outlet opening of the collection container can be designed to allow an airflow containing dirt out of the container
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2a
Figure 2b~2c
AI summary
A collection container (151) for a cleaning device is described, wherein the cleaning device is configured to direct dirt into the collection container (151) by means of an airflow (140). The collection container (151) has an inlet opening (152) and a separate outlet opening (202) on its outer surface. Furthermore, the collection container (151) is designed to switch between a receiving position, in which the inlet opening (152) is open and the outlet opening (202) is closed, and a discharge position, in which the outlet opening (202) is open and the inlet opening (202) is closed, by means of a rotational movement of at least a part of the collection container (151).