Vacuum Cleaner Compaction Member for Extended Dirt Chamber Use
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum cleaners often require frequent emptying of the dirt collection chamber, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and can lead to clogging at the dirt separator opening.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum cleaner design featuring a compaction member that moves between positions to compact dirt in the collection chamber, allowing for extended use before emptying, and includes a wiper to dislodge dirt from the filter assembly, enhancing filtration performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the dirt collection chamber is designed with a fixed volume, then the structure is simple, but the vacuum cleaner requires frequent emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the compaction member movable between a retracted position (when not in use) and an extended position (when compacting dirt). This dynamic structure allows the same component to serve multiple functions: maintaining a simple structure during normal operation and enabling volume reduction when needed, thereby extending usage duration without permanently increasing structural complexity.
2Duration of action of moving object
If dirt is allowed to accumulate in the collection chamber, then less frequent emptying is needed, but clogging occurs at the dirt separator opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning the compaction member to extend into the dirt collection chamber and compact dirt against the dirt separator opening before clogging can occur. This proactive compaction prevents dirt accumulation at the opening, maintaining reliable airflow and preventing clogging while allowing extended usage between emptying cycles.
3Productivity
If a compaction member is added to extend usage time, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the compaction member to perform multiple functions: it compacts dirt to extend usage duration, prevents clogging at the dirt separator opening, and can be integrated with the existing attachment structure. This multi-functional design increases productivity while minimizing the increase in device complexity by avoiding separate dedicated components for each function.
4Manufacturing precision
If the compaction member extends through the dirt separator opening, then dirt compacting is effective, but airflow may be impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the compaction member extendable only when needed for compacting dirt. During normal airflow operation, the compaction member remains retracted and does not impede airflow. When compacting is required, the member extends through the dirt separator opening to effectively compact dirt, then retracts to restore full airflow. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between compaction effectiveness and airflow maintenance.
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 compaction member extends the time between emptying the dirt collection chamber and cleaning or replacing the filter, while preventing clogging and maintaining suction efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a suction generator to generate an airflow
Implementation Method 2
a filter assembly to separate dirt from the airflow
Implementation Method 3
a compaction member movable between a first position in which all of the compaction member is upstream of the opening, and a second position in which the compaction member extends through the opening of the dirt separator and into the dirt collection chamber to compact dirt collected in the dirt collection chamber
Implementation Method 4
The compaction member may be arranged such that movement of the compaction member to the second position causes the dirt to be pushed upwards, against gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum cleaner comprises a suction generator to generate an airflow, a dirt separator comprising an opening to permit the airflow to pass into the dirt separator, a filter assembly to separate dirt from the airflow, and a dirt collection chamber to collect dirt separated from the airflow, and an attachment attached to the dirt separator. The attachment comprises a housing comprising a duct to deliver the airflow to the opening of the dirt separator, and a compaction member movable between a first position in which all of the compaction member is upstream of the opening, and a second position in which the compaction member extends through the opening of the dirt separator and into the dirt collection chamber to compact dirt collected in the dirt collection chamber.