A cleaner head
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Nylon bristles in vacuum cleaner brush bars generate static electricity on hard floor surfaces, attracting fine dust and powders, and the use of staples for securing bristles increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The use of agitating members with a surface resistivity range of 1x10^-5 to 1x10^12 Ω/sq, formed from materials like metallic, carbon fibre, or conductive acrylic, which are connected to a rotatable body via grooves and connecting members, allowing for effective static discharge and reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nylon bristles are used in the brush bar, then acceptable cleaning performance on carpeted surfaces is achieved, but static electricity is generated on hard floor surfaces which attracts fine dust and powders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the bristles from conventional nylon to conductive material with specific electrical properties. The conductive bristles have electrical conductivity that allows static electricity to be dissipated, preventing the accumulation of static charge that attracts fine dust and powders on hard floor surfaces, while maintaining effective cleaning performance on carpeted surfaces through mechanical agitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining conductive materials (such as carbon fiber or metal-coated bristles) with traditional bristle structures. This composite approach integrates the mechanical cleaning function of bristles with the electrostatic dissipation property of conductive materials, creating a multi-functional brush bar that addresses both carpet and hard floor cleaning requirements.
2Reliability
If individual staples are used to secure bristle tufts to the brush bar core, then bristle attachment is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases particularly when the number of bristle tufts is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bristle attachment function with the brush bar core structure by integrating connecting members directly into the core. Instead of using separate staples for each tuft, the core itself incorporates channels or grooves that receive and secure bristle tufts, combining the structural support and attachment functions into a single integrated component, thereby reducing manufacturing steps and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The brush bar core is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the structural rotating element and as the attachment mechanism for bristle tufts. The core includes integrated connecting members that perform the attachment function, eliminating the need for separate staple components and simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining secure bristle attachment.
3Productivity
If the number of bristle tufts is increased to improve agitating performance, then cleaning effectiveness is enhanced, but manufacturing cost increases due to the need for more staples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bristle attachment function with the brush bar core structure by integrating connecting members directly into the core. Instead of using separate staples for each tuft, the core itself incorporates channels or grooves that receive and secure bristle tufts, combining the structural support and attachment functions into a single integrated component, thereby reducing manufacturing steps and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attachment method from individual staples to an integrated connecting member system within the core. This parameter change in the attachment mechanism allows for increased number of bristle tufts without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity or cost, as the integrated system can accommodate multiple tufts through a unified attachment approach.
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 effectively dislodges fine dust and powder from hard floor surfaces by discharging static electricity and simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the need for multiple securing methods.
Implementation Method 1
The use of agitating members with a surface resistivity range of 1x10^-5 to 1x10^12 Ω/sq, formed from materials like metallic, carbon fibre, or conductive acrylic, which are connected to a rotatable body via grooves and connecting members, allowing for effective static discharge
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Agitating apparatus (40) for a surface treating appliance comprises a rotatable body(50) having a plurality of grooves (58) formed therein, an agitating member (56) located within each groove so that at least one side edge of the agitating member protrudes outwardly from the body, and a connecting member (60) located within each groove for connecting the agitating member to the body.