Vacuum Refuse Holder With Batch Storage and Clean Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refuse holders in vacuum cleaners face issues such as bacterial and mold growth, limited capacity, frequent disposal needs, costly bag replacements, and reduced effectiveness due to airflow limitations and airborne particles.
Innovation Solution
A refuse holder with a collector unit for air-entrained refuse, a storage unit for batch collection, and a mechanism to switch between vacuuming and refuse transfer modes, incorporating cyclonic air flow and a scraper to prevent airflow obstruction, allowing for efficient collection and storage of refuse without airborne contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If air-permeable bags are used to hold refuse, then refuse can be contained, but bacteria and mold grow in stored refuse and are circulated into ambient air during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The refuse holder is divided into a collector unit and a storage unit, separating the refuse collection function from the storage function. This segmentation allows the collector unit to be easily emptied while the storage unit retains refuse, reducing the time refuse is stored and minimizing bacterial and mold growth opportunities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the refuse transfer process from the traditional bag system by introducing a separate storage unit that can be independently emptied. This allows refuse to be removed from the collection path more efficiently, reducing storage time and contamination risk.
2Volume of stationary object
If the bag or collection chamber size is limited, then the vacuum cleaner structure remains compact, but the refuse holding capacity is limited and frequent disposal is required
Solution Approach 1:
The refuse holder is divided into a collector unit and a storage unit, allowing the storage unit to be larger than the collector unit. This segmentation enables increased refuse holding capacity without proportionally increasing the overall vacuum cleaner size, as the collector unit remains compact for efficient collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The collector unit is positioned within or adjacent to the storage unit, creating a nested arrangement where the smaller collector unit fits within the larger storage capacity. This nesting allows efficient use of space, providing large refuse holding capacity while maintaining a compact vacuum cleaner structure.
3Quantity of substance
If air-permeable bags are used, then refuse can be contained, but periodic bag replacement is required which is costly, inconvenient, and causes loose dust to become airborne
Solution Approach 1:
The collector unit is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component that can be emptied and reused, eliminating the need for expensive periodic bag replacements. The storage unit provides long-term refuse holding, reducing the frequency of replacements needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables easy discarding of the collector unit contents through the refuse outlet, and the collector unit itself can be recovered and reused. This eliminates the need to discard entire bags periodically, reducing costs and preventing dust from becoming airborne during replacement.
4Power
If airflow through the air-permeable bag is required for operation, then the vacuum cleaner can function, but effectiveness diminishes as refuse accumulates in the bag
Solution Approach 1:
The refuse holder is segmented into a collector unit with controlled airflow paths and a storage unit. This segmentation allows the collector unit to maintain optimal airflow for vacuum operation while the storage unit holds accumulated refuse that does not interfere with the airflow needed for effective operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the refuse storage function from the airflow path by placing refuse in a separate storage unit. This allows the collector unit to maintain clear airflow paths for effective vacuum operation, while refuse is stored separately without obstructing the air flow needed for power and effectiveness.
5Ease of operation
If conventional bagless arrangements are used, then some disadvantages of bagged systems are overcome, but loose dust or refuse particles can become airborne or fall from the refuse holder when removed
Solution Approach 1:
The collector unit employs an air-permeable flexible membrane that contains refuse during operation but allows for easy emptying. This flexible shell structure prevents loose dust from becoming airborne during normal operation while enabling convenient refuse removal when the collector unit is emptied through the refuse outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the refuse from the collector unit through a controlled refuse outlet, separating the refuse removal process from the operation process. This allows refuse to be removed in a controlled manner that prevents particles from becoming airborne, while the collector unit remains in place during vacuum operation.
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 enhances refuse holding capacity, reduces the need for frequent disposal, minimizes airborne contamination, and maintains vacuum effectiveness by separating and storing refuse efficiently, addressing the limitations of existing bagged and bagless systems.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating cyclonic air flow and a scraper to prevent airflow obstruction
Implementation Method 2
incorporating cyclonic air flow and a scraper to prevent airflow obstruction
Implementation Method 3
collection of refuse from air entrained with refuse as the air is moved through the collector unit via air inlet means and air outlet means
Data Source
AI summary
A refuse holder for holding refuse in a vacuum cleaner is provided. The refuse holder comprises a collector unit for collection of refuse from air entrained with refuse as the air is moved through the collector unit via air inlet means and air outlet means on configuration of the refuse holder in a vacuuming mode, wherein collector unit retains the refuse as a batch of collected refuse. The refuse holder further comprises a storage unit connectable to the collector unit by outlet means for storage of a plurality of batches of collected refuse from the collector unit, each batch being transferrable to the storage unit on configuration of the refuse holder in a refuse transfer mode. The refuse hold further comprises means for switching the configuration of the refuse holder between vacuuming mode and refuse transfer mode. A vacuum cleaner incorporating the refuse holder is also provided.