Ball Joint Path Selector for Vacuum Cleaner Fluid Flow Diversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid flow path diverting apparatuses in vacuum cleaners face issues such as incomplete path blocking leading to decreased fluid pressure, mechanical wear, user inconvenience, and complex assembly with high manufacturing costs due to multiple parts and fasteners.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a path selecting unit, driven by a member that moves with the inclining of the vacuum cleaner, using a cam and elastic member to selectively connect fluid flow paths, reducing the need for complex structures and fasteners, and enhancing sealing with shielding plates and a sealing member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a plate type valve member is used to block fluid flow paths, then the structure is simple, but the paths cannot be completely blocked leading to decreased fluid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a ball joint instead of a plate type valve member. The spherical shape of the ball joint enables complete blocking of fluid flow paths through precise contact with seating surfaces, eliminating the leakage issues inherent in planar plate designs while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a ball joint mechanism that replicates the blocking function of plate valves but achieves superior sealing through the ball-and-socket geometry. The spherical contact surfaces provide point contact that effectively seals the fluid paths without requiring complex multi-component assemblies.
2Device complexity
If a ball joint is used to change fluid flow path, then the structure is compact, but the ball joint and contacting surface wear out over time due to weight transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an elastic member that provides a recovery force to counteract the weight of the ball joint. This elastic support reduces the continuous load on the ball joint and contacting surfaces, minimizing wear and extending the service life of the moving components while maintaining the compact ball joint structure.
3Ease of operation
If a manually-operated lever is used to move switch hose connector, then the user can control fluid flow path, but it causes inconvenience to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastic member that automatically returns the ball joint to its initial position after being actuated. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual resetting or complex control operations, allowing users to simply trigger the path switching without worrying about returning components to their starting positions, thereby greatly improving ease of operation.
4Reliability
If complicated structures with many parts and fasteners are used, then the path diverting function is achieved, but assembling is difficult and manufacturing cost is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the path switching function into a single ball joint component that combines the valve element, actuation mechanism, and sealing surfaces. By merging multiple functions into one component, the design eliminates the need for numerous separate parts and fasteners, making assembly straightforward while maintaining effective path blocking capability.
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 apparatus efficiently diverts fluid flow paths with improved pressure retention, reduced mechanical wear, and simplified assembly and maintenance, while lowering manufacturing costs by integrating components and eliminating the need for extra fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member to provide the path selecting tube with a recovery force
Implementation Method 2
a cam formed on the path selecting tube, the cam including a hinge hole to be engaged with a hinge protrusion, and a cam groove to receive a driving protrusion of the driving member
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for diverting a fluid flow path automatically diverts a fluid flow path in accordance with inclining of a main body, and includes two or more selectable fluid flow paths through which an external air stream is drawn, a fixed fluid flow path to be selectively connected to one of the selectable fluid flow paths, a path selecting unit to connect the fixed fluid flow path to one of the selectable fluid flow paths, and a driving member to provide a driving force for path selecting of the path selecting unit. If mounted in an external apparatus, the driving member causes the path selecting unit to move and connect to the fixed fluid flow path in accordance with inclining of the external apparatus.