Vacuum Cleaner Brush-Bar Assembly for Axial Sliding Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaner heads with motor-driven agitators often have designs that prevent the separate removal of the agitator for cleaning, repair, or replacement due to complex transmission arrangements and interlocking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A cleaner head design featuring a hollow brush-bar that can be slid out for removal through an opening, supported by a bearing for axial sliding, allowing for straightforward and convenient replacement without complex hinging mechanisms, with optional soft-mounting and a drive dog for stable support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the motor is housed inside the hollow brush-bar to simplify the transmission arrangement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the brush-bar cannot be separately removed for cleaning, repair or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the drive assembly into separate components: the motor remains fixed in the cleaner head housing, while the brush-bar is made as a separate removable component. The transmission elements (drive belt, pulleys) are positioned to connect these separate components, allowing the brush-bar to be removed independently while the motor stays in place. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling both simplified motor positioning and independent brush-bar removal.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a bearing is provided to maintain stable clearance between the brush-bar and drive assembly, then the stability is improved, but the axial sliding removal of the brush bar is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is designed with differentiated engagement characteristics: radially it provides stable support and maintains consistent clearance between the brush-bar and drive assembly, while axially it is configured with clearance or a sliding fit that permits easy removal. This local differentiation of bearing properties resolves the contradiction by providing stability in the radial direction while maintaining ease of operation in the axial direction.
3Device complexity
If the drive assembly is fixedly mounted in the cleaner head, then the device complexity is reduced, but the brush-bar cannot be removed without complicated hinging mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic design where the brush-bar is intended to be removable and reinserted by the user. The bearing and drive assembly are positioned and configured to accommodate this dynamic operation. The drive belt and pulleys are arranged to allow the brush-bar to be slid out axially while maintaining functional connection during operation. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by enabling simple fixed mounting of the drive assembly while still allowing easy brush-bar removal without complex hinging mechanisms.
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
Enables easy and stable removal and reinsertion of the brush-bar, reducing vibration and maintaining performance, while allowing for maintenance and replacement without complex mechanisms, enhancing user convenience and durability.
Implementation Method 1
the brush-bar engages the bearing in a corresponding axial-sliding fit to allow said sliding removal of the brush bar
Implementation Method 2
a resilient member—such as an elastomeric mounting collar or ring—may be provided between the inner race and the drive assembly. Similarly, the brush bar may be soft-mounted on the bearing
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner houses a hollow brush bar mounted for rotation about an axis. This brush bar is driven by a motor housed inside the hollow brush bar, the motor forming part of a drive assembly supported at one end of the cleaner head. The brush bar is arranged for removal from the cleaner head by sliding the brush bar along the axis and out through an opening at the opposite end of the cleaner head and the brush bar is rotatably supported in clearance around the drive assembly by a first bearing, which bearing engages the brush bar in a corresponding axial-sliding fit to allow said sliding removal of the brush bar.