Angled Pivot Handle Layout for Compact Vacuum Cleaner Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional upright vacuum cleaners have a handle that protrudes when stored, increasing the device's footprint and requiring additional space, as the handle rotates perpendicular to the cleaner's longitudinal axis during storage.
Innovation Solution
A pivot joint is used to couple the handle to the cleaner housing, allowing the handle to rotate about a pivot axis that is non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, enabling it to fold conically and store without increasing the device's footprint, with optional translation along the pivot axis for further compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle rotates perpendicular to the cleaner's longitudinal axis during storage, then the handle can be easily stored, but the device's footprint increases and additional space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot joint is oriented at an angle non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, changing the rotation dimension from a standard perpendicular hinge to an angled configuration. This dimensional change allows the handle to fold conically along a path that maintains a compact profile, resolving the contradiction between ease of storage and minimal footprint by utilizing a different spatial dimension for the folding motion
2Area of stationary object
If the handle folds conically along a path offset from the longitudinal axis, then the storage footprint is minimized, but the pivot joint complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle folding path is defined as conical, introducing curvature to the motion trajectory. This curved folding path allows the handle to nestle against the cleaner body in a compact configuration, achieving minimal storage footprint while the pivot joint's angled geometry provides the necessary curved motion path without requiring complex multi-component mechanisms
3Productivity
If the handle is rotated downwardly for storing, then the vacuum can be stowed, but the handle protrudes from the outer profile
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to nestle against the cleaner body when folded, with the conical folding path allowing the handle to be positioned within the overall envelope of the cleaner. This nesting arrangement ensures that the handle does not protrude from the outer profile, maintaining a compact shape for efficient storage while still allowing full rotation for operation
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning device generally includes a nozzle, a cleaner housing connected to the nozzle, and a handle coupled to the cleaner housing at a pivot joint. The cleaner housing defines a longitudinal axis. The pivot joint is configured to rotatably store the handle at a position offset from the longitudinal axis.