Vacuum Dirt Cup Cam Latch for Easier Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaners require vertical movement of the dirt cup for securement and removal, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism with a first latch member and a latch actuator, featuring a cam follower surface and a cam surface, allows for vertical movement to transition between latched and unlatched positions, simplifying the attachment and detachment of the dirt cup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vertical movement of the dirt cup is required for securement and removal, then the attachment mechanism can be simple in structure, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome movement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into separate components: a latch member with a cam follower surface, a cam surface, and a button actuator. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving ease of operation while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch member is designed to be movable rather than fixed, transitioning between latched and unlatched positions through vertical movement. This dynamic design allows the mechanism to adapt between secured and removable states, enhancing operational ease without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Ease of operation
If the latch mechanism uses a cam surface and cam follower surface design, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surface and cam follower surface automatically guide the latch member's vertical movement when the button is pressed. This self-guiding mechanism reduces the need for additional control components, improving ease of operation while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface is designed with an asymmetric profile that converts the button's horizontal pressing motion into vertical movement of the latch member. This asymmetric geometry enables efficient force transmission and smooth operation without requiring symmetric or overly complex mechanical arrangements.
3Ease of operation
If the latch member moves vertically to transition between latched and unlatched positions, then the ease of operation improves, but the loss of time increases due to the movement required
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is pre-positioned in the vertical direction within its guide, so that when the button is pressed, the cam surface immediately converts the pressing motion into the required vertical movement. This preliminary positioning reduces the time needed for the transition by eliminating search or adjustment movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface is designed with a curved profile that optimizes the conversion of horizontal button pressure into vertical latch member movement. This curved geometry ensures smooth, continuous motion that minimizes transition time while maintaining ease of operation throughout the movement range.
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
Facilitates easy and secure mounting and removal of the dirt cup, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a latch actuator comprising at least one button having a cam surface facing the first cam follower surface. When the latch mechanism is actuated, the cam surface bears against the first cam follower surface to initiate vertical movement of the first latch member relative to the latch actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A latch mechanism for selectively fastening a dirt cup to a vacuum cleaner having a locking recess. The latch mechanism can include a latch member having a portion that is selectively received in the locking recess and a cam follower surface, and a latch actuator comprising at least one button with a cam surface that faces the cam follower surface. When the latch mechanism is actuated, the cam surface bears against the cam follower surface, which initiates vertical movement of the latch member relative to the latch actuator. The latch member is thereby moved from a latched position in which the portion of the latch member is received within the locking recess to an unlatched position in which the portion of the latch member is removed from the locking recess, thereby allowing the dirt cup to be removed from the vacuum cleaner.