Vacuum Dust Bowl Lid Lock for One-Handed Emptying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dust collection devices for cyclonic vacuum cleaners require two-handed manipulation to unlock and open the lid, compromising ergonomics and risking accidental dust spillage.

Innovation Solution

A dust collection device with a locking mechanism controlled by a finger-operated button on the handle, allowing single-handed operation and featuring elastic means for automatic lid opening, along with a pivot articulation and spring-loaded locking system to enhance usability and prevent accidental opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental opening, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of accidental dust spillageVSAvoidcomplexity of locking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the user's natural gripping action. When the user grips the handle, their fingers automatically press against the button, triggering the unlock sequence without requiring additional controls or complex actuation mechanisms. The spring-loaded button returns to its locked position automatically after each operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The unlock control function is extracted from a separate control mechanism and integrated directly into the handle structure. The button is positioned within the handle body where it is naturally accessible to the user's fingers during normal gripping, eliminating the need for separate controls, switches, or additional user actions beyond the natural grip.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the control button is placed on the handle for single-handed operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of inadvertent activation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesingle-handed operation capabilityVSAvoidrisk of inadvertent opening
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state through a controlled sequence. The spring-loaded button requires a deliberate pressing action to initiate unlocking, and the lid must be actively pulled open against the spring force. This dynamic interaction prevents accidental activation while enabling easy intentional operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded button is pre-loaded in a locked position that resists inadvertent activation. The spring force creates a preliminary counter-action that prevents the button from disengaging accidentally, while still allowing intentional pressing. The mechanism is biased toward the locked state, requiring deliberate user input to overcome this preliminary anti-action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-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

Enables ergonomic single-handed operation of the dust collection device, preventing dust spillage and allowing users to empty the contents into a trash can without using a second hand, thereby improving handling efficiency and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

the device comprises elastic means arranged to exert a constant force on the cover to move it towards the second open position, thus allowing the automatic passage of the cover from the first closed position to the second position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a locking means control button, arranged to be actuated with a finger of a hand which grips the handling handle, to unlock the locking means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

the device comprises means for articulating the lid with respect to the storage bowl, arranged on a first side of the storage bowl

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivot articulation: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP3010386B1Dust collection device of a vacuum cleaner
Publication Date: 2019.04.17 SEB SA
  • EP3010386B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A dust collection device of a vacuum cleaner comprising: - a storage bowl (10), - a carry handle (20), - a cover (30) that can move between a first closed position of the storage bowl (10) and a second open position of the storage bowl (10), - locking means (40) for locking the cover (30) on the storage bowl (10) arranged to lock the cover (30) in the first closed position, characterised in that the device comprises: - a button (43) for controlling the locking means (40), arranged to be actuated with a finger of a hand that is gripping the carry handle (20), in order to unlock the locking means (40).