Vacuum Docking Station Airflow Pulsing for Dust-Free Bin Emptying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vacuum cleaners face the issue of dust being scattered when users empty the dust collecting container, leading to increased dust concentration in the environment.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device with a docking station that uses an irregular suction airflow to automatically discharge foreign substances from the dust collecting container, featuring a suction device, collector, suction flow path, flow adjusting device, and processor to control the airflow and operation timing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user manually removes foreign substance from the dust collecting container, then the dust collecting container can be emptied, but foreign substance may be scattered increasing dust concentration in the room

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedust container emptying operationVSAvoiddust scattering

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically discharging foreign substances from the dust collecting container using the suction device and flow adjusting device, eliminating the need for manual intervention and preventing dust scattering during the emptying process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical emptying process with an automated pneumatic system using the suction device to generate suction force and the flow adjusting device to control airflow, thereby eliminating dust scattering associated with manual emptying

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the suction device operates continuously to discharge foreign substances, then discharge efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign substance discharge efficiencyVSAvoidsuction device energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The flow adjusting device periodically opens and closes the suction flow path, creating periodic suction action that effectively discharges foreign substances while allowing the suction device to rest between cycles, thereby reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the suction flow path opening and closing based on operational needs, optimizing the balance between discharge efficiency and energy consumption by controlling when and how long the suction device operates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the flow adjusting device frequently opens and closes the suction flow path, then foreign substance discharge effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign substance discharge effectivenessVSAvoidflow control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow adjusting device implements periodic opening and closing of the suction flow path, which effectively dislodges and discharges foreign substances from the dust collecting container through rhythmic airflow changes without requiring complex control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic 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

Effectively prevents dust scattering by automatically and efficiently discharging foreign substances from the vacuum cleaner's dust collecting container, maintaining a cleaner environment.

Implementation Method 1

a suction device configured to move air from the dust collecting container to an inside of the docking station

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

a flow adjusting device configured to open or close the suction flow path, and at least one processor configured to control the flow adjusting device to periodically open and close the suction flow path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow adjustment:

Data Source

PatentUS11357374B2Cleaning device having vacuum cleaner and docking station and method of controlling the same

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A cleaning device and a method therefor are provided. The cleaning device includes a vacuum cleaner including a dust collecting container and a docking station to which the dust collecting container is coupled. The docking station includes a suction device configured to move air from the dust collecting container to inside of the docking station, a collector configured to collect a foreign substance that is moved together with the air by driving of the suction device, a suction flow path along which air moves inside the docking station, a flow adjusting device configured to open or close the suction flow path, and at least one processor configured to control the suction device to operate based on the dust collecting container being coupled to the docking station, and control the flow adjusting device to periodically open and close the suction flow path in a state in which the suction device operates.