Folded Vacuum Cleaner Bag Walls for Dynamic Volume Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaner bags have limited capacity and are inefficient in terms of volume utilization, particularly in tubular chambers, and current manufacturing methods do not effectively enhance this capacity.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum cleaner bag design featuring two bag walls made of filter material with folds fixed by seams on one side, connected via side seams, and a folded edge on the opposite side, allowing for partial or complete unfolding to increase volume, made from a single or multi-layer nonwoven material with optional mechanical fastening for compact transport and expansion under negative pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the vacuum cleaner bag is designed with a fixed structure to maintain shape during transport, then the structural stability is improved, but the usable volume during use is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidusable volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The bag wall is designed with movable folds that can transition between a compact folded state during transport and an expanded unfolded state during use. The fold is secured at one end by a seam but remains movable at the fold edge, allowing dynamic volume adjustment based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of stationary object

If the vacuum cleaner bag is designed with folds that can be unfolded to increase volume, then the usable volume is improved, but the structural stability during transport deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusable volumeVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The bag wall is segmented into multiple sections by introducing folds that can be selectively unfolded. The fold is fixed at one end by a seam, creating segmented regions that can independently adjust their configuration, allowing the bag to maintain structural integrity while enabling volume expansion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of stationary object

If the vacuum cleaner bag is manufactured with multiple separate components to allow volume adjustment, then the usable volume is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusable volumeVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fold structure is integrated directly into the bag wall as a continuous element, eliminating the need for separate movable components. The fold is formed by folding the bag wall itself and securing it with a seam, merging the volume-adjustment mechanism with the bag wall structure to simplify manufacturing.

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

The design significantly increases the usable volume of the vacuum cleaner bag during use while maintaining a compact shape for transport, effectively adapting to the vacuum cleaner chamber and optimizing volume utilization.

Implementation Method 1

After the vacuum cleaner bag is inserted, it can expand due to negative pressure on the side opposite the inlet opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentEP4364625A1Vacuum cleaner bag and method for producing a vacuum cleaner bag
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 WOLF PVG GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4364625A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4364625A1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4364625A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A vacuum cleaner bag (1, 1') comprises two bag walls (2, 3) formed from filter material, enclosing an interior space. Each bag wall (2, 3) has at least one fold (4, 4', 5, 5') which is fixed on one side by a seam (6, 6', 7, 7'). An inlet opening (11) is formed on the side with the seams (6, 6', 7, 7') for fixing the at least one fold (4, 4', 5, 5'). The bag walls (2, 3) are connected to each other on two opposite sides by side seams (9). On the side opposite the inlet opening (11), the bag walls (2, 3) are connected to each other via a folded edge (8). The invention further relates to an effective method for manufacturing such a vacuum cleaner bag (1, 1').