Vacuum cleaner station and method for controlling vacuum cleaner station

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaners, including handy, stick, and robot types, face issues with frequent dust bin emptying, dust scattering, residual dust affecting suction force and odor, and manual assembly or operation complexity.

Innovation Solution

A cleaner station with a housing, coupling part, dust collecting part, fixing unit, and control unit that automatically detects and fixes the cleaner, opens the suction port, and operates a lever to compress the dust bin, eliminating the need for manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the dust bin capacity is increased, then the frequency of emptying is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency of emptyingVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dust bin is designed with automatic compression functionality that operates without user intervention. The compression lever is automatically actuated to compress dust in the bin, and the suction mechanism automatically removes compressed dust, creating a self-service system that reduces emptying frequency without requiring complex manual operation procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The dust compression function performs preliminary action by compressing dust in the bin before removal. This pre-compression increases the density of stored dust, allowing the bin to hold more dust for longer periods, thereby reducing the frequency of emptying operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If manual emptying is performed, then the operation is simple, but dust scatters and harms user health

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of emptyingVSAvoiddust scattering
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical emptying process is replaced with an automated suction system. The suction port and suction mechanism automatically draw dust from the bin through a controlled airflow path, eliminating the need for manual handling that causes dust scattering and health hazards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The dust removal process creates a controlled environment where dust is contained within the suction flow path. The suction mechanism generates a controlled air current that captures and removes dust particles without allowing them to scatter into the surrounding environment, protecting user health

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Quantity of substance

If residual dust remains in the dust bin, then storage capacity is maintained, but suction force deteriorates and odor increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust storage capacityVSAvoidsuction force
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dust compression and removal process operates continuously or periodically to maintain optimal conditions in the dust bin. By continuously compressing dust and removing residual particles, the system maintains consistent suction force and prevents odor accumulation, ensuring reliable performance over extended periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The dust density parameter is changed through compression. By compressing dust to increase its density, the system maximizes storage capacity while simultaneously removing fine residual particles that would otherwise deteriorate suction force and create odor, thus improving reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If automatic detection and fixing mechanisms are added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of dockingVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The docking mechanism incorporates automatic detection and fixing functions that operate without user intervention. The suction port automatically detects when the cleaner is docked and initiates the dust suction process, while the fixing unit automatically secures the cleaner in place, creating a self-service system that improves ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The automatic detection mechanism uses feedback from sensors to determine when the cleaner is properly docked. This feedback triggers the subsequent actions of opening the suction port and activating the dust removal process, creating an automated control system that improves ease of operation through intelligent response

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 provides convenient, dust-free operation by automatically emptying and compressing the dust bin, preventing scattering and maintaining suction force, while reducing odor issues.

Implementation Method 1

a dust collecting motor accommodated in the housing, disposed below the dust collecting part, and configured to generate a suction force for sucking the dust in the dust bin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP4169429B1Vacuum cleaner station and method for controlling vacuum cleaner station
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4169429B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4169429B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4169429B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a cleaner station and a method of controlling the same, the method including: a dust bin fixing step of holding and fixing, by a fixing member of the cleaner station, a dust bin of a cleaner when the cleaner is coupled to the cleaner station; a door opening step of opening a door of the cleaner station when the dust bin is fixed; a cover opening step of opening a discharge cover configured to open or close the dust bin when the door is opened; and a dust collecting step of collecting dust in the dust bin by operating a dust collecting motor of the cleaner station when the discharge cover is opened, and as a result, it is possible to open a dust passing hole by detecting coupling of the cleaner without a user's separate manipulation and remove the dust in the dust bin by means of the operation of the dust collecting motor, thereby providing convenience for the user.