Suction device, in particular a vacuum cleaner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suction devices, such as vacuum cleaners, often require manual handling of large debris and waste, especially in industrial settings, which can be inefficient and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a housing unit with both a standard intake opening and a larger dirt opening, allowing for simultaneous suction through the intake opening and additional filling of a dust trap container via the dirt opening, which can be used for disposing of larger debris without losing suction power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single intake opening is used for both suction and debris disposal, then the device structure is simple, but multiple users cannot operate simultaneously and suction power is lost when loading debris

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous operation capabilityVSAvoidopening configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single intake opening is divided into two separate openings: a first opening for suction operations and a second opening for debris disposal. This segmentation allows multiple users to operate the device simultaneously without interfering with each other, while maintaining simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing unit is designed to accommodate multiple functions through its opening configuration. The first opening serves suction functionality while the second opening serves debris disposal functionality, enabling the device to handle both fine dust extraction and large debris removal operations simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the dust collection container is filled through the intake opening, then the device structure remains simple, but suction power is lost during the filling process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous suction capabilityVSAvoidfilling mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filling function is separated from the suction function by providing a dedicated second opening for debris disposal. This allows the dust collection container to be filled without blocking the first opening, maintaining continuous suction power during the filling process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The suction operation continues uninterrupted during debris disposal and container filling because the first opening remains open and functional. The second opening handles all filling operations, ensuring the useful action of suction remains continuous throughout the operating cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If manual tools like brooms and shovels are used for debris handling, then the device structure remains simple, but labor intensity increases and cleaning efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidmanual handling requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The suction device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can extract fine dust through the first opening and dispose of large debris through the second opening. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate manual tools like brooms and shovels, significantly improving cleaning efficiency and reducing labor intensity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The functions of dust collection and debris disposal are merged into a single device with coordinated opening operations. The housing unit structure integrates both functions, allowing operators to handle both fine dust and large debris using one machine rather than multiple separate tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration enables a more flexible and efficient cleaning process, allowing multiple users to operate the suction device while simultaneously handling large debris and waste, reducing the need for manual tools like brooms and shovels.

Implementation Method 1

at least one drive unit for generating an intake flow... designed to draw in ambient air, in particular contaminated air, by means of the intake flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP4072389B1Suction device, in particular a vacuum cleaner
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP4072389B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4072389B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4072389B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a suction device, in particular a vacuum cleaner, comprising at least one drive unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d) for generating a suction flow, comprising at least one housing unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d) forming at least one suction opening (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d), which is provided for suctioning, in particular contaminated, ambient air by means of the suction flow in at least one operating state of the drive unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d), and comprising at least one dust collection container (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d) arranged in the housing unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d) for receiving dirt separated from the suction flow. According to the invention, the housing unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d) also forms at least one dirt opening (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) which is different from the suction opening (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d), and which is provided for filling the dust collection container (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d) in the at least one operating state.