Vacuum Cleaner Segmented PCB Assembly for Compact Handle Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaners face challenges in easily installing and fixing the main Printed Circuit Board (PCB) within the handle due to limited internal space, leading to complex structures and difficulties in reducing the PCB size.

Innovation Solution

The cleaner design divides the main PCB into two separate PCBs that are inserted into the handle body in a parallel orientation, connected by a PCB connector, allowing for easy assembly and fixing without the need for additional fasteners, thereby minimizing the overall size and simplifying the installation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the airflow generator is disposed over the handle and the power supply is disposed under the handle, then the internal space of the handle is limited, but the structure for installing the PCB becomes complicated and it becomes difficult to install the PCB

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of PCB installationVSAvoidcomplexity of PCB installation structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The main PCB is divided into two separate PCBs (first PCB and second PCB) that can be independently installed in the handle. This segmentation allows each PCB to be positioned in available spaces without requiring a complex integrated installation structure, thereby simplifying the overall installation process while accommodating the limited internal space of the handle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the main PCB is divided into two PCBs and inserted in the handle body, then the size of the main PCB can be reduced, but additional PCB connector is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of main PCBVSAvoidnumber of PCB components
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first PCB and second PCB are electrically connected through a PCB connector that integrates with the handle unit. This merging of connection functions into the existing handle structure eliminates the need for separate additional components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the size reduction benefit of dividing the main PCB

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If the two PCBs are erect in parallel with each other and inserted in the handle body, then the size of the main PCB unit can be minimized, but the assembly structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of main PCB unitVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The PCB connector is pre-integrated with the handle unit during manufacturing, creating a ready-to-receive structure for the two PCBs. This preliminary preparation of the connection interface simplifies the final assembly process, as the PCBs can be directly inserted into the pre-configured handle structure without requiring complex assembly operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary 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

This design allows for a reduced size of the main PCB unit, simplifies the assembly process, and eliminates the need for connecting the second PCB to the connector during assembly, enhancing user convenience and reducing the complexity of the structure.

Implementation Method 1

a suction motor that generates suction force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3485777B1Vacuum cleaner
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3485777B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3485777B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3485777B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cleaner includes: a suction motor that generates suction force; a suction unit that guides air and dust sucked by the suction force generated by the suction motor; a dust separation unit that separates dust from the air guided through the suction unit; a main PCB that generates control signals for the suction motor and includes a first PCB and a second PCB spaced apart from each other; a handle unit that receives the main PCB; and a PCB connector that connects the first PCB and the second PCB to each other and is coupled to the handle unit.