Pivoting Cable Drum PCB Carrier for Vacuum Cleaner Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vacuum cleaners with cable drums and electronic components face challenges in assembly due to the need for complex cable layout and restricted accommodation of operating elements, especially when components vary by country, requiring a system that simplifies assembly and allows for flexible positioning of the cable drum and component carrier.

Innovation Solution

A system where the carrier is pivotally mounted on the coil holder, allowing it to be positioned in different orientations for easier transport and assembly, with latching mechanisms to secure it in place, and a receptacle for holding the plug to prevent damage and enable automated contacting, allowing for a space-saving transport unit and simplified assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the carrier is rigidly fixed on the coil holder, then the assembly structure is simple, but the assembly and transport complexity increases due to restricted positioning flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly structureVSAvoidassembly and transport
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier is mounted pivotably on the coil holder, allowing it to be rotated between a transport position (parallel to coil axis) and an operating position (perpendicular to coil axis). This dynamic mounting enables the same structure to serve both compact transport and functional operation requirements without increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the carrier is positioned perpendicular to the coil axis, then operating elements can be accommodated, but the transport volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of operating elementsVSAvoidtransport volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable mounting allows the carrier to be rotated into a transport position where it is parallel to the coil axis, minimizing the transport volume. During operation, it can be rotated to a perpendicular position to accommodate operating elements, thus adapting to different functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

In the transport position, the carrier is folded against the coil holder, allowing the cable drum assembly to be compacted into a space-saving configuration that fits within the vacuum cleaner housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If plug-in contacts are used on the printed circuit board, then assembly is simplified, but the circuit board positioning is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveassemblyVSAvoidcircuit board positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable carrier mounting allows the circuit board to be positioned in an optimal orientation for receiving plug-in contacts, while the entire assembly can still be rotated for compact transport. This resolves the conflict between assembly simplicity and positioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If the cable drum and components are assembled as a preassembled unit, then manufacturing efficiency increases, but the cable layout becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidcable layout
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable carrier allows the preassembled unit to be compacted during transport, reducing cable length requirements and simplifying cable routing. The same mechanism that enables manufacturing efficiency also mitigates the cable layout complexity by allowing compact storage positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2078489B1System for providing power to an electric device with a cable drum, vacuum cleaner with a cable drum, vacuum cleaner with such a system and method for producing a vacuum cleaner
Publication Date: 2015.08.12 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP2078489B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2078489B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2078489B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The system (1) has a cable roller (2) comprising a connection cable (8), a coil (7), and a coil frame (6). An electrical and/or electronic component i.e. network on and off switch (15) switches on and switches off an electrical device, and/or regulates the electrical device. The electrical and/or electronic component is arranged on a carrier (4) comprising a printed circuit board, and the carrier is pivotably supported on the coil frame. The connection cable is contacted with the printed circuit board from the cable roller to the printed circuit board by a soldered joint. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a vacuum cleaner comprising a housing part (2) a method for manufacturing a vacuum cleaner.