Vacuum Cleaner Filter Bag Closure Using Silicone Elastomer Element

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closure devices for vacuum cleaner filter bags are complex and error-prone due to the use of multiple spring elements for opening and closing the passage openings, making them difficult to manufacture and adjust.

Innovation Solution

A closure device with a crosslinked silicone elastomer elastic element provides the necessary restoring force and hinge function, eliminating the need for additional springs, and can be integrated into a holding device made from materials like polypropylene or polyethylene, facilitating easier production and universal compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple spring elements are used for opening and closing the passage opening, then the closure function is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure functionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple spring elements into a single integrated elastic element made of crosslinked silicone elastomer. This elastic element serves both as the restoring force mechanism and as a hinge, eliminating the need for separate spring components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the closure function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the restoring force for closing the passage opening and acts as a hinge for the closure flap. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple spring elements are used for opening and closing the passage opening, then the closure function is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes error-prone and difficult to adjust

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure functionVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple spring elements into a single integrated elastic element made of crosslinked silicone elastomer. This elastic element serves both as the restoring force mechanism and as a hinge, eliminating the need for separate spring components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the closure function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses crosslinked silicone elastomer as the material for the elastic element. This composite material provides both the necessary elastic properties for the restoring force and the flexibility for the hinge function, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring reliable closure operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If traditional spring elements are used, then the closure device functions, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure propertiesVSAvoidproduction costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses crosslinked silicone elastomer as the material for the elastic element. This composite material provides both the necessary elastic properties for the restoring force and the flexibility for the hinge function, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring reliable closure operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple spring elements into a single integrated elastic element made of crosslinked silicone elastomer. This elastic element serves both as the restoring force mechanism and as a hinge, eliminating the need for separate spring components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the closure function.

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 solution simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces production costs, and ensures reliable closure properties, enabling the use of thermo-forming for holding devices and injection-molding for closure devices, while maintaining effective sealing and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic element made of a crosslinked silicone elastomer, wherein the elastic element is pretensioned in a state in which the closure flap closes the passage opening of the holding device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10806316B2Device for a vacuum cleaner filter bag with a holding device and a closure device

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 EUROLIFTERS HLDG NV

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for a vacuum cleaner filter bag comprising a holding device with a passage opening and a closure device for closing the passage opening of the holding device, wherein the closure device comprises a closure flap and an elastic element made of a cross-linked silicone elastomer, and the elastic element is pretensioned in a state in which the closure flap closes the passage opening of the holding device.