Surface Cleaner Docking Unit with Self-Service Motor-Driven Emptying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning apparatuses face challenges in efficiently emptying dirt collection regions and require complex mechanisms for opening during the dirt emptying process, and there is a need for effective disinfection methods while emptying.
Innovation Solution
The surface cleaning apparatus features a slidable valve for easy emptying, UV light disinfection, and a docking unit with multiple dirt collection regions and air flow path designs that facilitate efficient dirt transfer and disinfection, utilizing suction motors for motive force and varying air flow paths to enhance emptying efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex opening mechanism is used for dirt emptying, then the dirt collection region can be securely sealed, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical opening mechanisms with a simpler system using a moveable wall or door that can be opened by user pressure or automated means. The sealing function is maintained through gaskets or seals that engage when the wall/door is closed, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms while preserving reliable sealing.
2Device complexity
If manual opening is required for emptying, then the structure remains simple, but the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the dirt collection region to empty itself by utilizing the existing suction motor to create negative pressure that draws dirt out through the opened wall/door. The system serves itself by using its own motor to perform the emptying function, eliminating the need for additional motors or complex automated mechanisms while significantly improving emptying speed.
3Productivity
If multiple components are used for emptying, then the emptying efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the suction motor perform dual functions: cleaning during normal operation and emptying when the wall/door is opened. The same motor that powers the cleaning function is used to create the negative pressure needed for emptying, eliminating the need for a separate emptying motor or additional components. The wall/door structure also serves both as a seal during cleaning and as an opening mechanism during emptying.
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
The design allows for easy and efficient dirt emptying with improved filtration and disinfection capabilities, enhancing the overall cleaning process by simplifying the operation and improving the cleanliness and hygiene of the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a suction motor, wherein, during a surface cleaning apparatus emptying operation, the suction motor provides a motive force that generates a flow of air that transfers dirt from the dirt collection region into the docking unit
Implementation Method 2
a UV light emitting member that is located interior of the surface cleaning apparatus and is operable to disinfect a portion of an exterior surface of the surface cleaning apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaner and floor standing unit. The surface cleaner comprising an air treatment chamber and a dirt collection region, the air treatment chamber comprising a closure flap associated with an air treatment chamber air inlet. The dirt collection region collects dirt during a cleaning mode of operation of the surface cleaner. The floor standing unit comprises a dirt collection region which, in a surface cleaner emptying mode of operation when the surface cleaning apparatus is docked with the floor standing unit, receives dirt that has been collected by the surface cleaner. The surface cleaner having an openable door which, in the surface cleaner emptying mode of operation, is open whereby the dirt collected in the dirt collection region of the surface cleaner is transferrable to the dirt collection region of the floor standing unit, wherein an electromechanical actuator is drivingly connected to the closure flap.