Agitator and nozzle assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum cleaners face inefficiencies in surface agitation and debris collection due to high power consumption and friction, as well as limitations in air velocity and debris entrapment, particularly when using rotatable agitators and suction tubes.
Innovation Solution
The agitator and nozzle assembly features a rotatable agitator configured to rotate about a pivot axis with a suction tube, where the agitator suction inlet and suction tube inlet partially overlap to establish an airflow path, enhancing air velocity and minimizing power consumption while reducing friction, and includes designs such as inverted and helical configurations to optimize debris collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional rotatable agitators and suction tubes are used, then debris agitation and collection can be achieved, but power consumption is high and friction is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The suction tube is inverted to extend below the surface of the agitator, with the suction inlet positioned at the lower end. This inversion allows the suction inlet to be closer to the surface being cleaned, improving debris pickup efficiency while reducing the power required for agitation and collection
2Speed
If conventional suction tube configuration is used, then debris collection can be achieved, but air velocity is limited and debris entrapment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The suction tube is nested within the agitator structure, extending below the agitator surface. This nested configuration allows the suction inlet to be positioned optimally close to the surface being cleaned, maximizing air velocity and debris entrapment efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The suction tube acts as an intermediary element between the suction source and the surface being cleaned. By positioning the suction inlet at the lower end of the inverted tube, it mediates the airflow path to achieve higher velocities and improved debris entrapment
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
This configuration improves the efficiency of debris agitation and collection by minimizing power usage and maximizing air flow, resulting in effective debris entrapment and reduced friction between the agitator and surface, enhancing overall vacuum performance.
Implementation Method 1
minimizing power consumption while reducing friction
Implementation Method 2
a suction motor of the vacuum cleaner
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum cleaner system includes an agitator and nozzle assembly having an agitator configured to rotate about a pivot axis and a suction tube. The agitator includes an agitator body having an agitator suction inlet and defining a suction tube chamber. The suction tube chamber extends along at least a portion of the pivot axis and includes a suction tube opening disposed at one end thereof. The suction tube is received through the suction tube opening and partially into the suction tube chamber, and includes a suction tube inlet. The agitator is configured to rotate about the pivot axis relative to suction tube such that the agitator suction inlet and the suction tube inlet partially overlap and an air flow path is established which extends through agitator suction inlet, into suction tube chamber, through suction tube inlet, and into the suction tube.