Handheld Vacuum Filter Assembly for Slide-Off Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handheld vacuum cleaners require complex disassembly for filter replacement and battery charging, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A handheld vacuum cleaner design featuring a detachable filter assembly that slides along the handle for easy removal and replacement, and a battery pack housed in the handle with a charging port for on-the-go charging, allowing for simple filter cleaning and battery exchange without disassembling other parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the filter assembly is integrated into the body of the vacuum cleaner, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the filter replacement and maintenance become complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter replacement easeVSAvoiddisassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter assembly is segmented from the main body as a separate, detachable component. This allows the filter assembly to be removed and replaced independently without disassembling other parts of the vacuum cleaner, directly resolving the contradiction by making maintenance simple while keeping the overall device integrated during normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter assembly is extracted from the permanent structure and made detachable through a release mechanism. This extraction allows the filter to be taken out for cleaning or replacement without affecting the structural integrity of the main body, solving the contradiction between ease of maintenance and structural stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Volume of moving object

If the handle is co-axial with the body for compact design, then the appliance size is reduced, but the filter assembly removal becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveappliance compactnessVSAvoidfilter assembly detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the filter assembly and the co-axial handle is made dynamic through a release mechanism that allows the filter assembly to slide along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic connection enables easy removal and reattachment while maintaining the compact co-axial structure during normal use, resolving the contradiction between compactness and ease of maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the battery pack is permanently housed in the handle, then the energy supply is stable, but the battery replacement and charging become inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy supply stabilityVSAvoidbattery maintenance convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The battery pack is segmented as a separate, removable component within the handle rather than being permanently integrated. This segmentation allows the battery to be easily removed for charging or replaced with a charged battery, while the handle provides a stable housing that maintains reliable energy supply during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A charged battery pack can be prepared in advance and kept ready for immediate replacement. This preliminary preparation eliminates downtime during battery exhaustion, maintaining reliable energy supply while making battery maintenance convenient through simple exchange rather than discharging and recharging

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary 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

Facilitates quick and easy filter maintenance and battery charging, enhancing user convenience and reducing operational downtime during cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

a motor unit located in the body for creating an airflow through the appliance, The motor unit comprises an impeller mounted on a shaft having a rotational axis which is collinear with the longitudinal axis of the body, and a motor for rotating the shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpeller rotation creating airflow: Impeller

Implementation Method 2

separating apparatus for separating dust from the airflow, the separating apparatus comprising a primary cyclonic separating system which generates an airflow about the longitudinal axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclonic separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 3

a secondary cyclonic separating system comprising a plurality of cyclones arranged in parallel about the longitudinal axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentEP4099885B1A vacuum cleaning appliance
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 DYSON TECH LTD
  • EP4099885B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4099885B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4099885B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A vacuum cleaning appliance includes a body having a longitudinal axis, and a motor unit located in the body for creating an airflow through the appliance. A handle extending along the longitudinal axis has a first end connected to the body and a free, second end. A filter assembly is detachably connected to the body proximate to the first end of the handle. The filter assembly defines a bore running through the filter assembly along the longitudinal axis, the bore being shaped to allow the filter assembly to slide along the handle towards the second end thereof following detachment from the body.