Collection system and collector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handheld vacuum cleaners typically have a single rated output voltage for their battery packs, limiting the user's ability to adjust the voltage applied to the suction unit, which restricts the range of suction power available for different cleaning tasks.

Innovation Solution

A collection system with a housing that includes a suction unit and an attachment unit for multiple battery packs with different rated output voltages, allowing users to select the appropriate voltage for the suction unit based on the chosen battery pack, thereby adjusting the suction power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single rated output voltage is used for the battery pack, then the device structure is simplified, but the suction power range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction power rangeVSAvoidbattery pack types
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery pack attachment unit is designed with universal compatibility to accept multiple types of battery packs with different rated output voltages. The attachment unit includes electrical contacts that can interface with different battery pack configurations, allowing the same vacuum cleaner housing to function with various power sources ranging from 18V to 36V, thus achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple specialized devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple different types of battery packs are supported, then the suction power can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage selectionVSAvoidattachment unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides dynamic voltage selection capability where the user can choose the appropriate battery pack type based on the cleaning task requirements. The attachment unit is designed to dynamically adapt to different battery pack insertions, automatically recognizing the voltage level and configuring the electrical connection accordingly, making the voltage selection process as easy as simply attaching the desired battery pack

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables users to select the optimal suction power by choosing from various battery packs, providing a broader range of suction power settings for different cleaning tasks and reducing the risk of filter clogging by adjusting voltage according to the specific task requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a suction unit (22) housed in the housing (11) and configured to generate suction power based on electric power supplied from the battery pack to use and suck in the fluid through the inlet port (312a)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3476267B1Collection system and collector
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3476267B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3476267B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3476267B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A collection system (S1) includes: a housing (11) with an inlet port (312a); a suction unit (22) housed in the housing (11) and configured to suck in a fluid through the inlet port (312a); and multiple different types of battery packs (BT1, BT2) having mutually different rated output voltages. The housing (11) includes an attachment unit (23) configured to receive, as a battery pack to use, any battery pack chosen from the multiple different types of battery packs (BT1, BT2). The suction unit (22) is configured to generate suction power based on electric power supplied from the battery pack to use and suck in the fluid through the inlet port (312a).