Angled Vacuum Nozzle Layout for One-Handed Blower-Vacuum Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blower-vacuum devices have a lengthy vacuum nozzle configuration, making them difficult to hold with one handle when switching between vacuum and blower modes, leading to a discordant design that compromises comfort and usability.
Innovation Solution
A blower-vacuum device design featuring a vacuum nozzle with a non-linear configuration, including an elongate main portion and a terminal portion angled relative to the main body axis, combined with a blower nozzle, allowing for a shorter overall length and improved ergonomics, along with a handle assembly and safety interlock for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vacuum nozzle is made lengthy to meet safety standards, then safety is improved, but the device becomes difficult to hold with one handle and ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum nozzle is designed with a curved configuration instead of a straight lengthy structure. The nozzle includes a curved portion that bends at an angle (e.g., 90 degrees) relative to the main body axis, allowing the device to meet safety standards while maintaining a compact form factor that is easy to hold and operate with one hand.
2Reliability
If the vacuum nozzle is made lengthy, then safety standards are met, but the overall device length increases making it discordant and uncomfortable to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The curved nozzle design allows the vacuum intake to be positioned at a safe distance from the main body while the nozzle itself occupies minimal space. The curvature enables the nozzle to extend outward in a compact manner, maintaining design harmony and avoiding the discordant appearance of a long straight nozzle.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the nozzle lengthwise along the main body axis, the design utilizes angular/vertical extension by bending the nozzle at an angle (e.g., 90 degrees) relative to the main body. This dimensional change allows the nozzle to achieve the required safety length without increasing the overall device footprint or creating a discordant design.
3Ease of manufacture
If a straight vacuum nozzle configuration is used, then manufacturing is simple, but the device is difficult to hold and operate comfortably in both modes
Solution Approach 1:
The curved nozzle configuration can be manufactured using standard molding or bending processes. The curvature is incorporated into the nozzle design as a smooth arc or angled bend, which does not significantly complicate the manufacturing process while dramatically improving the ergonomics and comfortability of the device during operation.
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 design enhances the comfort and effectiveness of the blower-vacuum device by allowing easy one-handed operation in both modes, reducing the length of the vacuum nozzle, and ensuring safety through a secure attachment mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a motor-driven fan capable of generating an air flow
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a portable blower-vacuum device which comprises a motor (3) operated by a switch (7) and located in a main body (2) and a fan (4) drivable by the motor. A vacuum nozzle (11) and a blower nozzle (12) are associated with the main body and the vacuum nozzle comprises a main portion (14a) extending in a direction of an axis (Z1) of the main portion and a terminal portion (14b) with an axis (Z2) angularly disposed with respect to the axis (Z1) of the main portion.