Surface cleaning apparatus and docking station usable therewith
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning apparatuses lack an efficient mechanism for transferring dirt and debris from the apparatus to a docking station, which can lead to inefficiencies in cleaning and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The surface cleaning apparatus is designed with an air treatment assembly that includes a cyclone chamber with a dirt collection region, which is dockable with the docking station. The assembly features a moveable portion of the sidewall that can be opened to facilitate the transfer of dirt to the docking station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the air treatment chamber is kept closed during operation, then cleaning performance is maintained, but dirt transfer to docking station cannot occur
Solution Approach 1:
The air treatment chamber incorporates a moveable portion of the sidewall that can dynamically transition between closed and open positions. During cleaning operations, the chamber remains closed to maintain performance. During maintenance, the moveable portion opens to enable automatic dirt transfer to the docking station, eliminating manual emptying and reducing maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service maintenance through automatic dirt ejection. When docked with the docking station, the moveable portion opens and air flow automatically ejects collected dirt from the chamber into the docking station's collection container, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing maintenance frequency.
2Ease of operation
If the air treatment chamber is opened during operation, then dirt can be transferred, but cleaning performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable sidewall portion provides dynamic control of the air treatment chamber opening, allowing the system to switch between closed (high performance) and open (dirt transfer) states as needed, without compromising cleaning performance during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dirt transfer function is extracted as a separate operation from the cleaning function. The moveable portion opens specifically for dirt ejection to the docking station, while the main chamber structure remains intact to preserve cleaning performance during actual surface cleaning operations.
3Extent of automation
If a moveable sidewall portion is added, then automatic dirt transfer is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable sidewall portion introduces minimal mechanical complexity by using a simple hinged or sliding mechanism that can be actuated by air pressure or springs. This dynamic element enables automatic dirt transfer functionality while adding relatively little structural complexity to the overall air treatment assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages existing air flow from the cleaning apparatus to automatically eject dirt from the chamber when the moveable portion opens. This pneumatic approach eliminates the need for separate motors or complex mechanical ejection mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while achieving automation.
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 design enables efficient transfer of dirt and debris from the surface cleaning apparatus to the docking station, improving cleaning efficiency and reducing the frequency of maintenance tasks.
Implementation Method 1
an air treatment assembly (air treatment member) comprising an air treatment chamber (e.g., a cyclone) with a dirt collection region
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a surface cleaning apparatus and a docking station is provided. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a surface cleaning apparatus air flow path; a suction motor; and an air treatment member. The air treatment member comprises a first stage air treatment chamber, a stationary portion and a moveable portion. The moveable portion is moveably mounted by a mount between a closed position in which the first stage air treatment chamber is closed and an open position in which the first stage air treatment chamber is open. The docking station comprises a docking station air flow path and a docking interface. The docking interface comprises wall portions and a docking interface perimeter extending around the wall portions. When the air treatment member is docked with the docking station, the docking interface perimeter contacts the stationary portion of the air treatment member and a closed volume is provided.