Dust Collection Chamber Emptying With Sealed Allergen Containment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surface cleaning apparatuses face challenges in effectively containing dust and allergens during the transfer of collected particulate matter from a dirt collection chamber to a garbage can, as lighter particles can be entrained in air currents, leading to dust plumes and incomplete transfer.

Innovation Solution

A lid for a refuse container with an openable port that allows positioning of a dirt collection region, equipped with a gasket or moveable members to inhibit particulate matter escape, and a suction source to draw air and fine particles back into the container, along with a cyclone assembly using a flexible closure member to create a sealed volume during emptying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the dirt collection chamber is opened above an open refuse container for emptying, then the particulate matter can be transferred to the refuse container, but lighter particulate matter is entrained in air currents and forms dust plumes that escape containment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemptying efficiencyVSAvoiddust plume formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A dust containment hood is introduced as an intermediary component between the dirt collection chamber and the ambient environment. The hood captures air currents and entrained particulate matter during emptying, directing them away from the surrounding area. This mediator prevents dust plume dispersal while maintaining efficient emptying operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible dust containment barrier or shroud is deployed around the dirt collection chamber during emptying. This flexible shell creates a temporary enclosed space that contains dust and allergens, preventing them from escaping into the environment while allowing the emptying process to proceed efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of operation

If a lid is removed from the refuse container to allow emptying, then access to the interior is improved, but dust and allergens can escape from the refuse container

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to refuse containerVSAvoiddust escape

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is segmented to include a removable or openable section that provides access to the refuse container interior. This segmented design allows the lid to remain partially in place, maintaining containment for dust and allergens while providing sufficient access for emptying operations. The lid is divided into functional zones: a fixed containment portion and a movable access portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A dust containment hood or barrier is positioned between the dirt collection chamber and the refuse container opening. This intermediary structure allows access to the refuse container while preventing dust escape, serving as a mediator that enables both ease of operation and dust containment simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the port size is increased to accommodate the dirt collection chamber, then emptying capability is improved, but the seal effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemptying capabilityVSAvoidseal effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The seal system is made dynamic and adaptive. Instead of a fixed rigid seal, the system uses flexible sealing elements that can deform and conform to the dirt collection chamber contours. This dynamic seal maintains effectiveness even when the port size is increased to accommodate the chamber, as the seal adapts to the larger opening while maintaining dust containment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Flexible sealing elements or gaskets are used at the interface between the lid and the dirt collection chamber. These flexible films can accommodate larger port sizes while maintaining effective seals, as they can deform to fit the chamber geometry and maintain contact pressure for dust containment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Prevents dust and allergen escape during transfer, ensuring a more controlled and complete collection of particulate matter in the refuse container, reducing air-borne dispersal and improving hygiene.

Implementation Method 1

a suction source to draw air and fine particles back into the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

a cyclone assembly using a flexible closure member to create a sealed volume during emptying

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 3

lighter particles can be entrained in air currents, leading to dust plumes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir entrainment: Entrainment

Data Source

PatentUS10244910B2Dust and allergen control for surface cleaning apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.04.02 OMACHRON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INC

AI summary

A surface cleaning apparatus has an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet with a main air treatment member having a dirt collection region having an openable door and a main suction motor provided in the air flow path. The dirt collection region is exposed to sub-atmospheric pressure when the openable door is in an open position.