Vacuum cleaner having self-cleaning function and self-cleaning method therefor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional vacuum cleaners face issues with dust accumulation in air ducts and filters, leading to reduced dust collection efficiency and shortened filter lifespan, requiring frequent disassembly for cleaning, which is cumbersome for users.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum cleaner with a self-cleaning mode that uses an air replenishing system to circulate air through the filter, allowing external air to pass through a series of chambers to strike and clean the filter, reducing dust accumulation and extending filter life, while simplifying the cleaning process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the vacuum cleaner operates in vacuum cleaning mode with large power and large air inlet, then dust collection capability is improved, but dust accumulates in the air duct and filter, reducing effective dust collection time and filter service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust collection capabilityVSAvoideffective dust collection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system alternates between vacuum cleaning mode and self-cleaning mode in periodic cycles. During self-cleaning mode, the air replenishing valve opens to allow air to flow through the filter in reverse direction, removing accumulated dust. This periodic reversal of air flow prevents dust buildup and maintains effective dust collection capability over extended periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The vacuum cleaner performs self-cleaning automatically without user intervention. The control unit automatically switches between cleaning modes and operates the air replenishing valve to facilitate self-cleaning of the filter and air duct, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and cleaning by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the vacuum cleaner operates with large power and large air inlet, then dust collection capability is improved, but the filter service life is reduced due to dust accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust collection capabilityVSAvoidfilter service life
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic self-cleaning cycles where air flow direction is reversed through the filter. This regular reversal prevents dust accumulation on the filter, maintaining filter permeability and extending its operational lifespan while allowing the system to operate at high power continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The filter cleans itself automatically during designated self-cleaning modes without requiring removal or manual cleaning. The control unit manages the air replenishing valve to create reverse air flow that removes dust from the filter, preserving filter integrity and extending service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the user frequently disassembles the vacuum cleaner to clean the filter, then dust accumulation is removed, but the cleaning workload is large and user experience is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust collection effectVSAvoidcleaning workload
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum cleaner automatically performs filter cleaning without user disassembly or intervention. The control unit switches between vacuum cleaning mode and self-cleaning mode, operating the air replenishing valve to facilitate automatic dust removal from the filter, completely eliminating manual cleaning workload for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The self-cleaning function operates automatically during normal usage without requiring the user to stop work or disassemble components. The system maintains continuous dust collection effectiveness by periodically performing self-cleaning in the background, ensuring uninterrupted useful action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 self-cleaning mode prolongs effective dust collection time, extends filter service life, reduces user workload, and provides a more convenient and efficient cleaning experience by integrating a self-cleaning system into the vacuum cleaner design.

Implementation Method 1

in the self-cleaning mode, the air stream successively passes through the air replenishing opening and the fan, and then strikes the cleaning side of the filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir stream flow: Convection

Implementation Method 2

the tube wall of the suction mouthpiece of the hose is pressed against the air replenishing valve so as to close the suction mouthpiece, and control the air replenishing valve to open the air replenishing opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical pressure: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

the tube wall of the suction mouthpiece of the hose is separated from the air replenishing valve so as to open the suction mouthpiece, and control the air replenishing valve to close the air replenishing opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical release: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3586710B1Vacuum cleaner having self-cleaning function and self-cleaning method therefor
Publication Date: 2022.06.15 SKYBEST ELECTRIC APPLIANCE (SUZHOU) CO LTD
  • EP3586710B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3586710B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3586710B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A vacuum cleaner having self-cleaning function, the vacuum cleaner has a vacuum cleaning mode and a self-cleaning mode; in the vacuum cleaning mode, the air stream successively passes through the suction mouthpiece(22), the air inlet, the filter(30), the fan(11) and the air outlet(141), and in the self-cleaning mode, the air stream successively passes through the air replenishing opening(451) and the fan(11), and then strikes the cleaning side of the filter(30); an air replenishing valve (70) is provided at the air replenishing opening(451), in the vacuum cleaning mode, the suction mouthpiece(22) is opened and the air replenishing valve (70) controls the air replenishing opening(451) to be closed, and in the self-cleaning mode, the suction mouthpiece(22) is closed and the air replenishing valve (70) controls the air replenishing opening(451) to be opened; the tube wall of the suction mouthpiece(22) of the hose(21) is pressed against the air replenishing valve (70) so as to close the suction mouthpiece(22), and control the air replenishing valve(70) to open the air replenishing opening(451), the tube wall of the suction mouthpiece(22) of the hose(21) is separated from the air replenishing valve(70) so as to open the suction mouthpiece(22), and control the air replenishing valve(70) to close the air replenishing opening(451).The present invention also relates to a self-cleaning method of the vacuum cleaner with self-cleaning function.