Refuse Container Lid With Sealed Port for Dust-Free Emptying
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Solution Overview
Problem
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 featuring a flexible closure member to create a sealed volume during emptying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the lid is completely removed to empty the dirt collection chamber, then the transfer of particulate matter is simplified and faster, but dust and allergens escape into the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into a main body and a removable insert that forms a sealed enclosure around the dirt collection chamber opening. This allows the lid to function both as a closure and as a controlled emptying interface, separating the functions of dust containment and material transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealed insert or barrier is introduced as an intermediary between the dirt collection chamber and the environment. This intermediary allows particulate matter to pass through while preventing dust and allergens from escaping, acting as a selective mediator in the transfer process.
2Ease of operation
If the port is made larger to accommodate the dirt collection chamber, then emptying is easier, but dust and allergens can escape more readily
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible sealed barrier or film is used to create a tight seal around the dirt collection chamber opening within the port. This flexible seal conforms to the chamber shape, maintaining an airtight closure that prevents dust escape while allowing the port to remain sufficiently large for easy chamber insertion and removal.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealed enclosure is created around the dirt collection chamber, then dust containment is improved, but the complexity of the lid structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dust containment function is merged with the existing lid structure by integrating a sealed insert or barrier directly into the lid body. This combination approach creates an enclosed space for dust containment without requiring a completely separate and complex containment system, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining effectiveness.
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 allergens from escaping during transfer, ensuring a more controlled and complete collection of particulate matter in the refuse container, reducing air-borne dispersal and improving user safety.
Implementation Method 1
a suction source to draw air and fine particles back into the container
Implementation Method 2
a cyclone assembly featuring a flexible closure member to create a sealed volume during emptying
Data Source
AI summary
A lid for a refuse container is moveable between a closed position in which the lid overlies an open upper end of the refuse container and an open position in which the refuse container may be emptied. The lid has an openable port operable between a closed position in which the lid closes the upper end of the refuse container and an open position in which a dirt collection region of an air treatment member of a surface cleaning apparatus is positioned in the port.