Vacuum Cleaner Dust Containment Using Sealed Lid Insert and Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning apparatuses face challenges in effectively containing dust and allergens during the transfer of collected particulate matter from a dirt collection chamber to a garbage can, as lighter particles can be entrained in air currents, leading to a fine dust plume and incomplete transfer.
Innovation Solution
A lid for a refuse container with an openable port that allows positioning of a dirt collection region, equipped with a gasket or moveable members to inhibit particulate matter escape, and a suction source to draw air and fine particles back into the container, along with a cyclone assembly using a flexible closure member to create a sealed volume during emptying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the lid is kept closed to prevent dust escape, then dust containment is improved, but the dirt collection chamber cannot be emptied
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into a main body and a removable insert that forms a sealed enclosure. The insert can be detached to allow emptying of the dirt collection chamber, while the main lid body remains in place to maintain dust containment when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
A removable insert acts as an intermediary between the lid and the dirt collection chamber. This insert creates a sealed environment during emptying operations and can be removed when emptying is complete, allowing the lid to remain closed and sealed for dust containment.
2Ease of operation
If the lid is opened to empty the dirt collection chamber, then emptying operation is improved, but dust and allergens escape into the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The removable insert serves as a temporary sealed enclosure during the emptying process. It allows the dirt collection chamber to be emptied without exposing the surrounding environment to dust and allergens, as the insert remains in place to contain the emptying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable insert is made of flexible material that can be manipulated during emptying operations. This flexibility allows the insert to adapt to the emptying process while maintaining a sealed environment, preventing dust and allergen escape.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a removable insert is added to the lid, then dust containment during emptying is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into a permanent main body and a removable insert. This segmentation allows the complex sealed enclosure function to be isolated to a single removable component, simplifying the overall design while maintaining dust containment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable insert is designed as a simple, easily manufactured component that can be disposed of or replaced. This approach reduces the complexity of the permanent lid structure, as the insert承担了 the complex sealed enclosure function during emptying operations.
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
Prevents dust and allergens from escaping during transfer, ensuring a more controlled and complete collection of particulate matter in the refuse container, reducing air-borne dispersal and improving user safety.
Implementation Method 1
a suction source to draw air and fine particles back into the container
Implementation Method 2
a cyclone assembly using a flexible closure member to create a sealed volume during emptying
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising one or more of a surface treatment apparatus having an air treatment member and a refuse container wherein at least one of the surface treatment apparatus and the refuse container is provided with one or more of (a) a dust control member providing a dust control agent comprising one or more of a liquid mist, positive ions and negative ions to an area below a dirt emptying outlet of a dirt collection region of the surface treatment apparatus; and, (b) a treatment applicator providing a treatment agent comprising one or more of a deodorizing agent, a disinfecting agent and a sanitizing agent to an interior volume of the air treatment member and an interior volume of the refuse container.