Back-Worn Flexible Vacuum Assembly for Low-Effort Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaning systems are inefficient and require significant user effort and time, especially in residential and commercial spaces, due to their design and limitations in mobility and tool accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A portable vacuum system with a flexible container worn on the back, featuring an electric motor/turbine assembly, a dust collector container, and a swivel arm/extendable hose assembly, allowing for comfortable use and easy access to cleaning tools, along with a cordless version that uses a rechargeable battery pack to eliminate cord length restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional vacuum cleaner design is used, then the cleaning function is provided, but the user effort and time required are significant
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is divided into separate functional modules: motor assembly, dust collector, flexible container, and cleaning tools. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy reconfiguration and maintenance, reducing user effort while maintaining high cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum system transitions from traditional horizontal/cord-bound operation to vertical back-worn configuration. This dimensional change in how the system is carried and positioned enables hands-free operation, significantly reducing user effort and increasing cleaning productivity
2Stability of the object's composition
If the vacuum system components are housed in a rigid container, then structural stability is provided, but flexibility and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dust collector and motor assembly are housed in a flexible container made of durable fabric or flexible polymer material. This flexible shell maintains structural integrity while conforming to the user's back contour, providing both stability and comfort during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible container is designed with a curved contour that follows the natural shape of the human back. This curvature distributes weight evenly and enhances comfort, allowing the user to wear the vacuum system for extended periods without discomfort
3Ease of operation
If cleaning tools are integrated into the vacuum system, then tool accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system incorporates multiple cleaning tools (brushes, nozzles, extensions) that can be attached to the flexible hose for different cleaning tasks. This multi-functionality provides versatile tool accessibility while the modular design keeps system complexity manageable through standardized coupling mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
A universal coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the flexible hose and various cleaning tools. This standardized interface simplifies tool attachment and detachment, improving accessibility without significantly increasing overall system complexity
4Reliability
If the vacuum system is cord-bound, then continuous power supply is ensured, but mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system transitions from static cord-bound operation to dynamic battery-powered portability. The rechargeable battery pack provides reliable power while enabling the user to move freely throughout the cleaning area, adapting to different spatial requirements
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 system minimizes user effort and time by providing powerful suction, flexible tool control, and extended cleaning reach without the need for additional attachments, enabling efficient cleaning of various spaces without being tethered to an electric outlet.
Implementation Method 1
An Electric motor drives a turbine assembly creating a powerful suction force or Vacuum flow
Implementation Method 2
This flow passes through a flexible hose, that connects Motor/turbine Assembly with a Dust filters coupling
Implementation Method 3
This vacuum force continues to travel from inside the Swivel arm/extendable hose assembly to the end of tools connecting coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A new and useful vacuum apparatus is provided, for sweeping and cleaning a residential and commercial spaces, in a manner that is efficient and effective and a manner that minimize effort and time. The apparatus includes a flexible container that encloses some of the vacuum, sweeping and cleaning components that are part of a vacuum system, the flexible container configured to be worn by a person operating the apparatus, and having a flexibility that enables it to conform to the contour of the back of a person wearing the flexible container, and the flexible container is also configured to enable certain components of the vacuum system to be located outside of the container when the container is being worn by a person operating the vacuum system.