Accessory for a vacuum cleaner suction head for collecting large debris

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional suction heads for vacuum cleaners compromise on suction efficiency when dealing with large-size debris on smooth surfaces like marble, cement, and tiled floors, while maintaining efficiency on other types of surfaces such as carpets.

Innovation Solution

An accessory with a transverse elongated slot and spacer members, including longitudinal ribs and roller wheels, is removably coupled to the suction head to enhance suction efficiency for large-size debris on smooth surfaces without affecting performance on other surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional suction head is used to maintain suction efficiency on carpets and various surfaces, then suction efficiency on smooth surfaces for large-size debris deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction efficiency on different surfacesVSAvoidsuction efficiency for large-size debris on smooth surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction head is divided into modular components: a base plate for general surface cleaning and a removable accessory piece with transverse slot and spacer members for large debris on smooth surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions while maintaining overall versatility through reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory piece can be dynamically attached or detached from the base plate depending on the cleaning task. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the suction head to adapt its structure for different surface types and debris sizes, optimizing performance for each specific scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the suction head structure is modified to improve suction for large-size debris on smooth surfaces, then suction characteristics on other types of surfaces are affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction efficiency for large-size debris on smooth surfacesVSAvoidsuction characteristics on other surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The specialized features for large debris handling (transverse slot, spacer members) are extracted into a separate removable accessory piece rather than being integrated into the base plate. This extraction allows the base plate to maintain its original suction characteristics for various surfaces while the accessory provides enhanced capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory piece acts as an intermediary component between the base plate and the large-size debris on smooth surfaces. It provides the necessary structural modifications (slot and spacers) only when required, without permanently altering the base plate's performance on other surface types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If spacer members are added to maintain distance from the surface for large debris suction, then device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction efficiency for large-size debrisVSAvoidstructure complexity of suction head
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer members are merged with the accessory piece structure rather than being separate components. This integration reduces overall device complexity by combining multiple functions (spacing, debris guidance, structural support) into a single unified component that attaches to the base plate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 accessory significantly improves suction efficiency for large-size debris on smooth surfaces by maintaining the suction characteristics on other types of surfaces, ensuring effective cleaning without compromising on existing performance.

Implementation Method 1

a suction channel which, during use, is joined to the base plate and is in fluid communication with the base plate channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3510908B1Accessory for a vacuum cleaner suction head for collecting large debris
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 NEW ERMES EURO
  • EP3510908B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3510908B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3510908B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An accessory for a suction head for a vacuum cleaner is described, the accessory comprising engaging means configured for removably connecting the accessory to the suction head along its base plate, wherein the accessory comprises a main body with a lower surface which, during use, is directed towards the surface to be vacuumed, and a top face comprising the engaging means, wherein the main body comprises a transverse slot configured to be situated opposite the mouth of a base plate channel of the suction head when the accessory is connected to the suction head; and wherein the main body comprises spacer members for spacing, during use, the lower face of the main body from the surface to be vacuumed.