A tool for a surface cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning apparatuses are inefficient in picking up dirt and debris due to uncontrolled pivotal movement of the connecting member, which leads to reduced suction and cleaning efficiency, especially during backward strokes.
Innovation Solution
A tool for a surface cleaning apparatus featuring a pivotally connected floor head and connecting member with a blocking device that inhibits pivotal movement outside a predetermined use condition, ensuring a minimum angle between the connecting member and the floor surface, thereby maintaining effective suction and cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting member is allowed to pivot freely about axis A, then the tool has greater adaptability to different surfaces and operating conditions, but the cleaning efficiency decreases due to uncontrolled movement outside the optimal angle range
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device is designed to be movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position, allowing the system to dynamically switch between constrained and flexible states. During cleaning operations, the blocking device maintains the connecting member at the optimal angle for maximum suction efficiency. When transitioning between different cleaning tasks or storage, the blocking device can be moved to allow free pivotal movement, providing adaptability to various surfaces and operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device changes the angular parameter of the connecting member from a variable range to a fixed optimal value (minimum angle Θm of at least 35°). By physically constraining the pivotal movement, the device maintains the connecting member within the predetermined use condition range, ensuring that the suction inlet remains at the optimal angle relative to the floor surface for effective dirt and debris pick-up.
2Productivity
If the blocking device is always in the blocking condition, then cleaning efficiency is maximized by maintaining optimal suction angle, but the ease of operation decreases due to restricted movement during transitions and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device incorporates a movable mechanism that allows operators to easily switch between blocking and non-blocking conditions. The blocking member can be moved along the connecting member between a blocking position (where it engages with the formation to maintain optimal angle during cleaning) and a non-blocking position (where it allows free movement for transitions and storage). This dynamic capability ensures high cleaning efficiency during operations while maintaining ease of operation during setup and storage phases.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool for a surface cleaning apparatus, including: a floor head including a floor facing surface which defines an inlet for receiving dirt-laden air, which inlet is generally positioned in a first plane P; a passage for carrying dirt-laden air from the floor head to the apparatus; a connecting member for connecting the tool to a surface cleaning apparatus, wherein the floor head and connecting member are pivotally connected about an axis A; and a blocking device for inhibiting pivotal movement of the connecting member about axis A, wherein the blocking device is moveable to a blocking condition in which pivotal movement of the connecting member downwardly outside of a pre-determined use condition is inhibited.