Vacuum Cleaner Pre-Separator with Pin-Actuated Dirt Loosening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaners face difficulties in efficiently emptying the dirt collected in the pre-separator, particularly with baked-on dirt, which requires a cumbersome process to loosen and remove.

Innovation Solution

A separator device with a pin-shaped active element on the cover that protrudes into the receiving space when the lid is closed, allowing it to act on and loosen dirt when the lid is opened, facilitating easy emptying by loosening and potentially removing adhering dirt.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the lid is simply opened for emptying, then the emptying process is simple, but baked-on dirt cannot be loosened and removed effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemptying processVSAvoiddirt removal effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The pin-shaped active element is positioned to protrude into the receiving space before the lid is opened. When the lid is opened, this pre-positioned element automatically acts on the accumulated dirt to loosen baked-on particles before emptying begins, preparing the dirt for easier removal without requiring additional manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the cover is made detachable for easy emptying, then emptying becomes simple, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemptying processVSAvoidcover structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover serves multiple functions: it seals the receiving basket during operation, integrates the suction flow line connection, mounts the pin-shaped active element for dirt loosening, and can be opened for emptying. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, maintaining structural simplicity while enabling easy emptying

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution simplifies the emptying process by loosening baked-on dirt and allowing it to be easily removed, enhancing the usability and efficiency of the vacuum cleaner.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one pin-shaped active element can act on dirt in the receiving space when the lid is moved relative to the receiving basket. This loosens baked-on dirt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3264962B1Separation device for a vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaner

Publication Date: 2021.05.05 ALFRED KARCHER SE & CO KG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a separator apparatus for a vacuum cleaner (10), comprising a pre-separator (122) having a receiving basket (126'), which has a receiving chamber (130), wherein, during operation of the separator apparatus, a dirt laden suction current is guided through the receiving chamber (130), wherein a cover (170) is allocated to the receiving basket (126') on which cover at least one pin-shaped actuating element (186) sits, which protrudes into the receiving chamber (130) when the cover (170) is closed, and which can act on dirt in the receiving chamber (130) during movement of the cover (170) relative to the receiving basket (126').