Dust collecting device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vacuum cleaners, especially modern vacuum robots, require frequent emptying of their dust collection chambers due to their small size, leading to reduced suction power and increased maintenance, as existing compressor devices are complex and expensive.

Innovation Solution

A dust collection device with a circumferentially variable compressor element that compresses dust into a dust cake by reducing its circumference, allowing for effective two-dimensional compression without additional load on the device, enabling longer emptying intervals and maintaining suction power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a compressor device is used to extend the emptying interval, then the emptying interval is extended, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemptying intervalVSAvoidcompressor device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compressor element is divided into multiple segments that can independently move relative to each other. These segments work together to compress dust while maintaining a simple overall structure. Each segment can be actuated separately, allowing for controlled compression without requiring a complex monolithic compressor mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compressor element transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where the circumference can vary. The segments are designed to move relative to each other, enabling the element to change shape and size according to the compression needs. This dynamic capability allows effective dust compression while keeping the mechanism simple and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If the dust collection chamber is made smaller to reduce device size, then the device becomes more compact, but the emptying interval decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust collection chamber volumeVSAvoidemptying interval
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The compressor element's variable circumference allows it to adapt to different dust volumes. When dust accumulates, the segments move to reduce the element's internal volume, compressing the dust efficiently. This dynamic volume adjustment enables small dust chambers to maintain long emptying intervals despite their limited capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of the compressor element's circumference from fixed to variable. By adjusting the circumference parameter dynamically based on dust accumulation, the system maximizes the compression efficiency within the constrained volume of a compact dust collection chamber, thereby extending the emptying interval.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If a complex compressor device is used, then compression effectiveness is improved, but the suction power decreases due to higher load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression effectivenessVSAvoidsuction power
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented design allows each segment to move independently with minimal friction and mechanical resistance. This segmentation reduces the overall load on the vacuum system compared to a complex monolithic compressor, while still achieving effective dust compression through the coordinated movement of multiple simpler components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compressor element is designed to compress dust primarily through its own structural movement rather than requiring external high-power mechanisms. The segments utilize the vacuum system's existing airflow and pressure differentials to assist in the compression process, reducing the additional load on the motor and maintaining suction power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 extends the emptying interval, reduces fine dust release during emptying, and maintains suction power by compressing dust into a compact form that allows unhindered airflow, resulting in a simpler, cost-effective design.

Implementation Method 1

the compressor element is contracted to compress the dust collected in the dust collection chamber, and in the process the dust located within the compressor element is compressed into a dust cake

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP4111928B1Dust collecting device
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP4111928B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4111928B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4111928B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The present invention relates to a dust collection device (1) of a vacuum cleaner (2) comprising a dust collection chamber and a compressor device (5) for compressing dust collected in the dust collection chamber. To extend the emptying interval, the compressor device (5) is provided to have a compressor element (16) arranged in the dust collection chamber and whose circumference is variable, wherein the compressor device (5) is designed such that dust accumulated in the dust collection chamber can be compressed by reducing the circumference of the compressor element (16).