Brush Vacuum Side-Wall Foot Switch to Prevent Snagging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing arrangement of switches on brush attachments of upright vacuum cleaners, located at the top, often leads to damage and snagging due to the operator's weight and movement during operation, causing impairment and breakage.
Innovation Solution
The switch is positioned on the side wall of the brush attachment for foot operation, with the control surface protruding in the switched-off position and integrating flush with the side wall in the switched-on position, utilizing latching elements to prevent damage and enable a push-to-open mechanism for switching off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the switch is located on the top of the brush attachment for foot operation, then the switching process is accessible, but the housing is damaged and broken due to operator body weight
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is relocated from the top surface to the side wall of the brush attachment, changing the spatial dimension of access. This allows foot operation while distributing force laterally rather than concentrating it on the top housing structure, preventing damage while maintaining accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the control surface protrudes from the side wall in the switched-off position, then the switch is easily accessible, but the control surface gets caught during the cleaning process
Solution Approach 1:
The control surface is designed to change its position dynamically between switched-off and switched-on states. In the off position, it protrudes for easy foot access; in the on position, it retracts flush with the side wall to eliminate snagging hazards during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching elements are positioned to automatically engage and secure the control surface in the flush position as soon as the switch is activated, preventing any potential snagging before it can occur during the cleaning process.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the control surface is integrated flush with the side wall in the switched-on position, then snagging is avoided, but the switch-off process becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is designed to be automatically released by a simple pushing motion. The control surface itself serves as the actuating element - when pushed, it automatically disengages the latching elements and returns to the protruding off position, making the switch-off process as easy as the switch-on process.
Data Source
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AI summary
A brush vacuum cleaner having a brush set facing the floor with a driven brush roller, wherein the brush set can be connected via a pivotable connecting element in the form of a connecting piece for a filter housing attachable to a handle having a hand grip. The brush set accommodates an electric motor for a suction fan and for the drive of the brush roller. An electrical switch is provided for switching the electric motor on and off which is disposed on the side wall as a lateral flank of the brush set in the form of a foot operated switch. The switch with its external control surface projects outwards with respect to the side wall in the switched-off position whereas in the switched-on position the control surface ends with neighboring or adjacent surface sections of the side wall without overhang.