Cleaning device having vacuum cleaner and docking station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum cleaners require frequent manual emptying of dust collectors, which is inconvenient and can lead to dust discharge noise when done without user intent.
Innovation Solution
A docking station with a suction portion, a rod driving portion, and a switch that allows for automatic dust discharge from the dust collector only when a user-initiated signal is received, while simultaneously charging the vacuum cleaner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual emptying of dust collector is performed frequently, then dust collector capacity is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates and dust discharge noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station automatically performs dust discharge from the vacuum cleaner's dust collector without requiring user intervention. The automatic dust discharge device detects when the dust collector is full and autonomously empties it into a collection bag, eliminating the need for manual emptying operations and associated noise.
Solution Approach 2:
A intermediate dust collection bag is introduced between the vacuum cleaner's dust collector and the environment. The docking station transfers dust from the vacuum cleaner into this intermediate bag, serving as a mediator that prevents direct dust discharge noise and allows the vacuum cleaner to operate continuously without frequent user intervention.
2Productivity
If dust collector is emptied manually, then dust is removed, but time is lost and operation becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service dust collection management by automatically detecting when the dust collector is full and initiating the dust discharge process without user intervention. This eliminates time loss associated with manual monitoring and emptying of the dust collector.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station prepares for dust collection in advance by having a collection bag ready and automatically initiating the transfer process when the vacuum cleaner is docked. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to spend time on manual emptying operations.
3Ease of operation
If automatic dust discharge is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the vacuum cleaner with dust collector, the docking station with collection bag, and the automatic dust discharge device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system architecture while providing automatic dust discharge capability.
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
Enables convenient and noise-reduced automatic dust discharge from the vacuum cleaner's dust collector, improving user experience by integrating charging and dust management into a single operation.
Implementation Method 1
a fan motor generating a suction force and sucks foreign substances, such as dust, along with air through a suction force generated by the fan motor
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device including a vacuum cleaner and a docking station to which the vacuum cleaner is dockable. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction nozzle, a dust collector, and an extension pipe connecting the suction nozzle and the dust collector. The docking station is configured to, with the vacuum cleaner docked to the docking station, charge the vacuum cleaner. The docking station includes a main body including a housing, a suction portion inside the main body and configured to, with the vacuum cleaner docked to the docking station, remove foreign substances in the dust collector, a recessed portion recessed from an outside of the housing to an inside of the housing, and a supporter coupled to the housing to support the main body and forming an accommodation space. The recessed portion and the accommodation space are configured so that, to dock the vacuum cleaner to the docking station, a portion of the extension pipe is accommodated in the recessed portion and the suction nozzle is accommodated in the accommodation space at one side of the main body.