Vacuum Cleaner Filter Assembly With Threaded Inner Filter Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaner filter assemblies are complex in design and operation, particularly in upright models, due to the arrangement of handles which reduces space and complicates the removal of dust or waste from the dust container.

Innovation Solution

A filter assembly with an external filter and internal filter connected by a threaded fit, where the internal filter's upper part is matched to the external filter's end cap opening, allowing for a tighter and more reliable connection, and enabling removal of the entire assembly by gripping only the upper part of the internal filter without an additional handle, utilizing non-continuous thread sections for a secure fit and sealing enhancements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a handle is attached to the dust container lid for removing filters, then the filters can be removed from the dust container, but the handle arrangement reduces the space available on the dust container end cap and necessitates a more complicated design

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter removalVSAvoiddesign complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the handle function with the inner filter itself. The upper part of the inner filter is designed to be grippable, combining the filtering function and the handling function into a single component. This eliminates the need for a separate handle attachment on the dust container lid, reducing design complexity while maintaining ease of filter removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The upper part of the inner filter serves multiple functions: it acts as both the filtering element and the handling grip. By making the inner filter itself grippable, the design achieves multi-functionality, allowing the same component to both filter air and facilitate removal from the dust container.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If the inner filter is inserted directly into the outer filter opening, then the assembly is simple, but the connection is not tight or reliable enough

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces a simple insertion mechanism with a threaded mechanical connection system. The outer peripheral surface of the upper part of the inner filter has thread sections that engage with corresponding internal threads in the outer filter opening, providing a secure and reliable connection while maintaining relatively simple assembly through rotational screwing motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This configuration simplifies the design and operation of vacuum cleaner filter assemblies by providing a secure, reliable, and user-friendly method for removing and installing filters, ensuring a tight seal and efficient airflow while reducing the need for additional handles.

Implementation Method 1

an outer ring surface of the upper part of the inner filter being connected by a threaded fit to an inner ring surface of the end cap opening of the outer filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded fit: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP2815686B1Filter assembly for a vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaner
Publication Date: 2016.10.26 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2815686B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2815686B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2815686B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a filter assembly (60) for a vacuum cleaner (100), which comprises an external filter (61) and an internal filter (62) located in the external filter (61). The external filter (61) has a cover opening (63) through which the internal filter (62) can be inserted into the external filter (61). The inner filter (62) has an upper part (64) that is matched to the cover opening (63) of the outer filter (61). According to the invention, an outer ring surface (641) of the upper part (64) of the inner filter (62) is connected by a threaded fit to an inner ring surface (631) of the cover opening (63) of the outer filter (61). With such a design, only the upper part (64) of the inner filter (62) has to be used to remove the entire filter assembly (60), without an additional handle having to be provided for this purpose. This enables a simplified overall design and user-friendly operation.