Auxiliary Suction Nozzle Port Layout for Full Vacuum Suction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vacuum cleaners lack an effective mechanism for simultaneously utilizing a main suction nozzle and an auxiliary suction nozzle independently, leading to reduced suction power when both are used, and struggle with reaching hard-to-clean areas like edges and baseboards without compromising suction efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum cleaner design featuring a housing with both a main suction nozzle and an auxiliary suction nozzle, where the vacuum hose can be selectively coupled to either, and a moveable door that closes the auxiliary port when not in use, allowing independent operation of each nozzle without splitting the suction source's airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a vacuum cleaner has only one main suction nozzle, then the suction power is concentrated and strong, but the ability to clean hard-to-reach areas like edges and baseboards is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning capability for different areasVSAvoidsuction power
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction system is segmented into two independent pathways: a main suction nozzle for general floor cleaning and an auxiliary suction nozzle for edge and baseboard cleaning. Each nozzle has its own independent suction port that connects to the vacuum source, allowing simultaneous or independent operation without compromising the suction power of either nozzle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vacuum cleaner is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both a main suction nozzle and an auxiliary suction nozzle that can be used independently or together. The auxiliary nozzle provides universal cleaning capability for edges, baseboards, and hard-to-reach areas while the main nozzle handles open floor areas, making the device adaptable to various cleaning scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If both main suction nozzle and auxiliary suction nozzle are used simultaneously, then cleaning versatility is improved, but suction power at each nozzle is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning versatilityVSAvoidsuction power at each nozzle
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The suction system is divided into separate independent pathways with the main suction nozzle having its own suction port and the auxiliary suction nozzle having its own separate suction port. This segmentation ensures that when both nozzles are used simultaneously, they each receive full suction power from the vacuum source without sharing a common airflow path that would divide the power

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the auxiliary suction port is always open, then the auxiliary nozzle can be used anytime, but the aesthetic appearance and aerodynamic efficiency are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of auxiliary nozzleVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary suction port is designed with a movable door that can be opened or closed as needed. When the auxiliary nozzle is not in use, the door closes to maintain the aesthetic appearance and aerodynamic efficiency of the housing. When the auxiliary nozzle is connected and in use, the door opens to allow airflow. This dynamic design provides both aesthetic appeal and functional accessibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 design enhances cleaning capabilities by maintaining full suction power for each nozzle and allowing for efficient cleaning of hard-to-reach areas without reducing suction efficiency, while providing an aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic operation.

Implementation Method 1

a suction source in fluid communication with the vacuum hose for generating a working air flow at the one of the main suction nozzle and the auxiliary suction nozzle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP2561783B1Auxiliary suction nozzle and port for vacuum cleaner
Publication Date: 2015.12.30 BISSELL HOMECARE INC
  • EP2561783B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2561783B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2561783B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A vacuum cleaner includes an auxiliary suction nozzle (34) in fluid communication with an auxiliary port provided on the vacuum cleaner. A vacuum hose (38) can be coupled with the auxiliary port to establish fluid communication between the auxiliary suction nozzle and a source of suction.