Articulated Floor Tool Conduit for Low-Profile Vacuum Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor tools for vacuum cleaners are limited in maneuverability, particularly when attempting to clean under furniture or in narrow gaps, due to restrictive conduit designs that make it difficult to maintain effective suction and alignment with the wand, leading to user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A floor tool design featuring a conduit with a front section pivotably connected to the main body about a first axis and a rear section connected to the front section about a second axis angled between 110 to 120 degrees, allowing for extensive articulation and orientation adjustments to facilitate easy maneuverability under furniture and into tight spaces, while maintaining a low profile and effective sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the rear section of the conduit is designed with an elbow shape at a fixed angle, then the structural stability is improved, but the maneuverability under furniture and into narrow gaps deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed elbow-shaped rear section into a dynamically adjustable configuration. The rear section is divided into multiple segments that can rotate relative to each other about different axes, allowing the conduit to adapt its shape dynamically. This enables the floor tool to maneuver under furniture and into narrow gaps while maintaining structural stability through controlled segmental movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the rear section of the conduit into multiple rotatable segments rather than using a single fixed elbow shape. Each segment can independently rotate about specific axes, creating a modular structure that provides both stability and flexibility. This segmented design allows the conduit to navigate complex spatial constraints while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the front section is pivotably connected to allow lowering for low profile, then the ease of operation is improved, but the sealing effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a port structure that acts as a mediator between the pivotable front section and the sealing requirement. The port is positioned to maintain fluid communication while accommodating the pivotal movement, serving as an intermediary element that resolves the conflict between maneuverability and sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the sealing mechanism to adapt dynamically with the pivotal movement of the front section. Rather than a fixed seal that would restrict movement, the sealing system is configured to maintain effectiveness throughout the range of motion, allowing the front section to pivot for low-profile maneuvering while preserving sealing integrity.
3Strength
If the conduit is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the strength is improved, but the adaptability to different cleaning positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the rigid conduit structure into multiple segments connected by rotational joints. Each segment maintains structural strength, while the connections between segments provide the necessary flexibility. This allows the conduit to adapt to different cleaning positions while preserving the structural integrity of individual segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing controlled mobility through rotational joints between conduit segments. The system transitions from a completely rigid structure to a dynamically adjustable one, where segments can rotate to achieve various configurations suitable for different cleaning positions while maintaining overall structural strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool (10) for a surface treating appliance comprises a main body (12) connected to a conduit (14). To enable the main body (12) to be widely manoeuvrable over, for example, a floor surface, the conduit (14) comprises a front section (50) and a rear section (52). The front section (50) is pivotably connected to the main body (12) for movement relative thereto about a first axis (A1) to allow the conduit (14) to be raised and lowered relative to the main body (12). The rear section (52) is pivotably connected to the front section (50) for movement relative thereto about a second axis (A2) to allow the rear section (52) to be angled relative to the front section (50). The front section (50) comprises at least one port (64) though which fluid is conveyed into the conduit (14) from the main body (12), and through which the first axis (A1) passes. This can enable a relatively simple seal to be provided between the main body (12) and the conduit (14) to inhibit fluid loss to the external environment from the port (64) as the main body (12) is manoeuvred over the floor surface, and can allow the tool (10) to have a low profile along the length thereof.