Vacuum cleaner station, vacuum cleaner system, and method for controlling vacuum cleaner station

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaner systems face inconvenience due to frequent dust bin emptying, dust scattering, residual dust affecting suction force and odor, complex dust collection structures, and instability when coupled with cleaning stations.

Innovation Solution

A cleaner system with a cleaner station that automatically detects and fixes the cleaner, opens the dust bin cover, and uses a dust suction module to collect dust without user manipulation, minimizing space and maintaining stability by optimizing the flow path and weight distribution.

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 and space occupation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency of dust bin emptyingVSAvoiddust bin capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dust bin is equipped with an automatic emptying mechanism that autonomously discharges collected dust without requiring user intervention. The bin self-monitors its fill level and automatically transfers dust to a collection container when full, eliminating the need for frequent manual emptying operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The dust collection system is divided into separate functional modules: a removable dust bin for collection, an automatic emptying mechanism for discharge, and a separate collection container. This segmentation allows the bin to maintain adequate capacity while enabling automated management without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-generated harmful factors

If manual dust bin emptying is performed, then the dust can be removed, but dust scattering occurs which harms user health

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust scatteringVSAvoidmanual emptying operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical emptying operation is replaced with an automated mechanism that uses controlled airflow and mechanical conveyance to transfer dust. The system employs a sealed transfer process with negative pressure control to contain dust particles, eliminating scattering and health hazards associated with manual emptying.

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

Solution Approach 2:

A sealed intermediate transfer chamber is introduced between the dust bin and collection container. Dust is transferred through this enclosed intermediary space using controlled airflow, preventing direct exposure and scattering of dust particles to the user environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If residual dust remains in the dust bin, then the structure is simple, but suction force deteriorates and offensive odor occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction force deterioration and odorVSAvoiddust bin structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dust bin implements continuous monitoring of dust accumulation levels and automated periodic emptying operations. This ensures the bin is emptied before residual dust can accumulate to levels that would degrade suction performance or generate odors, maintaining continuous optimal operation without requiring complex additional structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Ease of manufacture

If the cleaner station structure is simplified, then the manufacturing is easier, but the stability when coupled with cleaner deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestation structureVSAvoidcoupling stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism integrates multiple functions into a single unified structure that combines mechanical attachment, electrical connection, and alignment features. This merged design achieves stable coupling without requiring complex separate components, balancing manufacturing simplicity with coupling reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system eliminates the need for frequent dust bin emptying, prevents dust scattering, enhances suction force by removing residual dust, and ensures stable operation and compact design.

Implementation Method 1

a dust suction module having a dust collecting motor configured to generate a suction force for sucking the dust in the dust bin into the dust collecting part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

a suction motor configured to generate a suction force for sucking the air along the suction part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS12156633B2Vacuum cleaner station, vacuum cleaner system, and method for controlling vacuum cleaner station
Publication Date: 2024.12.03 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US12156633B2 patent drawing
  • US12156633B2 patent drawing
  • US12156633B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a cleaner system including: a cleaner; a cleaner station; and an imaginary plane including an imaginary suction flow path through line penetrating a suction flow path in a longitudinal direction and an imaginary suction motor axis defined by extending a rotation axis of a suction motor, in which when the cleaner is coupled to the cleaner station, the plane penetrates at least a part of the cleaner station, such that a center of gravity of the cleaner is disposed to pass through a space for maintaining balance of the station, and as a result, it is possible to stably support the cleaner and the station while preventing the cleaner and the station from falling down.