Self-Propelled Vacuum Flap Detachment to Prevent Accidental Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled vacuum cleaners and similar devices face the issue of being lifted by the operator during operation, which can lead to accidental opening of the dirt collection flap, compromising operation and potentially causing damage.
Innovation Solution
A detachable connection mechanism between the flap's parts ensures that the flap cannot be lifted by exceeding a specific pull-out force, preventing accidental opening, with a latching system and spring-loaded design that automatically opens the flap if attempted to be lifted, and sensors to detect the flap's position for operational control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flap is firmly mounted on the housing to allow operator lifting, then ease of operation is improved, but the implement can be accidentally lifted during operation causing harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is divided into a first part (flap body) and a second part (handle), connected by a detachable connection. This segmentation allows the handle to detach when excessive pull-out force is applied during operation, preventing accidental lifting while maintaining firm connection during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable connection converts the harmful effect of excessive lifting force into a beneficial safety feature. When an operator attempts to lift the implement by the flap during operation, the detachable connection releases, preventing accidental opening of the dirt collection container while the sensor detects the event and switches off the travel drive.
2Ease of manufacture
If the detachable connection uses a latching mechanism, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the pull-out force must be precisely controlled to prevent accidental detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism parameters (latching depth, latching bevels) are designed to provide a specific pull-out force that is less than the implement weight but sufficient to prevent accidental detachment during normal operation. The sensor system adds a layer of control by detecting flap position changes and switching off the travel drive.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor detects the pivoting position of the first part (flap) to determine whether it is in the open or closed position. When the sensor detects that the flap has moved to the open position (indicating the operator is attempting to lift the implement), the travel drive is switched off, providing feedback-based safety control.
3Ease of operation
If the first part is spring-mounted to automatically open the flap, then ease of operation is improved, but the spring force must be carefully balanced to ensure reliable automatic opening
Solution Approach 1:
The first part is spring-mounted in the direction of the open position, creating a counterbalancing force that automatically opens the flap when the detachable connection releases. The spring force is calibrated to overcome the weight of the first part and any residual friction, ensuring reliable automatic opening while the sensor detects the position change.
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
Prevents accidental lifting and opening of the flap during operation, ensuring continuous and safe functioning of the device while allowing for easy mounting and high stability, with independent control of pull-out forces for the bearing section and flap release.
Implementation Method 1
The first part is advantageously spring-mounted in the direction of the open position of the flap. If the second part is detached from the first part, the first part advantageously springs into its open position.
Data Source
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AI summary
A self-propelled working device has at least one travel drive (18) and a housing (9) on which at least one flap (5) is pivotably mounted. The flap (5) has a bearing section (17) on which at least one pivot bearing (28) for the flap is arranged. In the closed position (50), the flap covers at least one operating element (7, 8). In order to prevent the implement from being lifted by the flap (5), the bearing section (17) is designed on a first part (37) of the flap (5) and that the flap (5) is a second part (38) which covers the operating element (7, 8) and which detaches from the first part (37) when a structurally specified pull-out force is exceeded.