Wet duster module for a cleaner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vacuum cleaner wet duster modules are prone to clogging due to waterdrops forming on the water outlet, which can be blocked by dust or calcium compounds, depending on the use environment.

Innovation Solution

A wet duster module with a water supply nozzle featuring an inclined water outlet and a guide wall to direct waterdrops away from the outlet, preventing clogging by ensuring waterdrops flow downward.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional circular water outlet is used, then water can be discharged easily, but waterdrops form on the outlet and block it with dust or calcium compounds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater dischargeVSAvoidoutlet clogging

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The water outlet is changed from a conventional circular symmetric shape to an inclined asymmetric shape. The outlet surface is inclined at a predetermined angle (e.g., 15-45 degrees) relative to the axial direction, creating a height difference between different portions of the outlet. This asymmetric design prevents waterdrops from accumulating and blocking the outlet, as water naturally flows downward along the inclined surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a new dimensional aspect by tilting the water outlet surface in the axial direction. Instead of a flat circular opening, the outlet now has an inclined surface that extends in the axial dimension, creating a slope that directs waterflow downward. This dimensional change adds a gravitational component to water discharge, preventing stagnation and blockage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If water contains calcium compounds, then water can be supplied for cleaning, but calcium compounds precipitate and clog the outlet when waterdrops dry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater supply capabilityVSAvoidoutlet clogging

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inclined outlet surface performs a preliminary action by directing waterdrops downward before they can evaporate and leave calcium deposits. The gravitational flow along the inclined surface ensures that water is continuously moving and draining away, preventing the conditions necessary for calcium compound precipitation and outlet blockage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful effect of gravity (which causes water to accumulate and block the outlet) into a beneficial force. By inclining the outlet surface, gravity is harnessed to actively drain water downward, preventing stagnation and the subsequent formation of calcium deposits that would otherwise clog the outlet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If the water outlet is inclined, then waterdrops flow downward and prevent clogging, but the outlet structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutlet clogging preventionVSAvoidnozzle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than redesigning the entire nozzle structure, the invention applies the inclined surface design only to the critical water outlet portion. The bulk of the nozzle body remains conventional, with only the outlet surface modified to have a predetermined inclination angle. This localized modification achieves the desired water drainage function while minimizing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes a single geometric parameter of the outlet - the inclination angle - without fundamentally altering the nozzle's overall structure or material composition. By adjusting this one parameter (the angle of the outlet surface), the design achieves improved water drainage and clogging prevention while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 inclined water outlet design effectively prevents the water outlet from being blocked by waterdrops, maintaining the module's functionality regardless of the use environment.

Implementation Method 1

an inclined surface may be formed at a predetermined angle with a water discharge direction so as to form the water outlet inclined

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

a waterdrop guide wall extending along an axial direction from one end of the nozzle body to guide a flow of waterdrops formed on the water outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension and adhesion: Surface Tension

Data Source

PatentUS12575707B2Wet duster module for a cleaner

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

Disclosed is a wet duster module for a cleaner including: a water supply nozzle for discharging water from the water tank to the duster, and the water supply nozzle includes: a nozzle body having a water outlet for discharging water to the duster at one end thereof, and as the water outlet is formed to be inclined, waterdrops forming on and blocking the water outlet may be prevented and clogging the water outlet with foreign substances contained in the waterdrops, as the formed waterdrops are dried up, may be prevented.