Backpack Vacuum Motor Suspension Assembly for Drop and Noise Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Backpack vacuum cleaners face issues such as frequent dropping, which causes damage due to inadequate shock absorption, and generate excessive noise due to the suction motor's proximity to the operator's ears, leading to user discomfort and potential fatigue.

Innovation Solution

A shock-absorbing suspension system is integrated into the backpack vacuum cleaner, allowing the suction motor to move relative to the housing along a specific direction to absorb impact forces and reduce noise transmission through the use of springs and dampers, while sound-absorbing materials are incorporated to mitigate noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the suction motor is mounted directly to the housing, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the shock absorption capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidshock absorption capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The motor mounting system is segmented into multiple components: the housing, suspension chamber, suspension housing, springs, and dampers. This segmentation allows the motor to be isolated from direct impact forces while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and shock absorption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Springs and dampers are pre-installed in the suspension system to provide cushioning before impact occurs. These elements are positioned to absorb shock forces along the suspension direction, protecting the motor from damage during drops while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Volume of moving object

If the suction motor is positioned close to the operator's ears, then the device size is reduced, but the noise exposure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidnoise exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Sound-absorbing material is introduced as an intermediary between the suction motor and the operator's ears. This material is positioned within the suspension chamber or housing to absorb and attenuate noise transmission, reducing noise exposure while allowing the motor to remain in a compact position near the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the suspension housing is allowed to move freely in all directions, then the shock absorption capability is improved, but the motor stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock absorption capabilityVSAvoidmotor stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension system is designed with asymmetric constraints that allow movement primarily along the suspension direction (vertical axis) while restricting movement in perpendicular directions. This asymmetric design enables effective shock absorption during drops while maintaining motor stability during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension housing is designed to be dynamically responsive, allowing controlled movement along the suspension direction when impact forces are applied, while maintaining stability in other directions through structural constraints. This dynamic behavior optimizes both shock absorption and motor stability.

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

The shock-absorbing suspension system reduces the impact force on the vacuum cleaner during drops, prolonging its service life and reducing noise exposure for the operator, thereby enhancing user comfort and durability.

Implementation Method 1

One or more springs may be operatively positioned between the first housing and the suspension housing. The one or more springs may be oriented to bias the suspension housing from the second position towards the first position.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

One or more damper assemblies operatively positioned between the first housing and the suspension housing. The dampers may be configured to generate a damping force in response to relative movement between the suspension housing and the first housing.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS9259126B2Backpack vacuum cleaner
Publication Date: 2016.02.16 BISSELL INC
  • US9259126B2 patent drawing
  • US9259126B2 patent drawing
  • US9259126B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A backpack vacuum cleaner motor mounting assembly having a first housing, a suspension housing, a suction motor, and one or more springs. The first housing has an inlet, outlet and a suspension chamber in it. The suspension housing is at least partly in the suspension chamber, can move a predetermined distance along a suspension direction from a first position to a second position, and is restricted from moving perpendicular to the suspension direction. The suction motor is connected to and moves with the suspension housing. The springs are oriented to bias the suspension housing from the second position to the first position. A backpack vacuum cleaner having a suction motor in a movable suspension housing is also provided.