Vacuum Cleaner Caster Modules for Secure Hose Winding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storage of the vacuum hose in canister or tank-type vacuum cleaners is often inefficient, as existing solutions do not provide a compact and secure method for winding and securing the hose during use and storage.
Innovation Solution
The vacuum cleaner incorporates interchangeable caster modules with fence elements that create an upwardly opening hose space, allowing the hose to be wound and secured, using tabs and a detent mechanism for easy attachment and locking, ensuring the hose remains in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vacuum hose is stored loosely or in traditional methods, then accessibility is improved, but compactness and security of storage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fence element creates a three-dimensional hose storage space by extending vertically from the caster module, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than horizontal space. The hose is routed through the fence element structure, creating an organized vertical storage path that saves space while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The fence element acts as an intermediary structure between the caster module and the hose, providing a dedicated pathway and containment structure for hose storage. This intermediate component organizes the hose without requiring integration into the main vacuum cleaner body.
2Reliability
If the hose storage structure is made fixed and integrated, then reliability is improved, but adaptability and interchangeability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The caster module is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different fence elements through the socket and tab connection system. The standardized socket on the caster module can receive various fence element designs, allowing one caster module to serve multiple configurations and applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose storage system is segmented into separate interchangeable components: the caster module with its socket, and the fence element with its tabs. This segmentation allows the fence element to be detached and replaced while keeping the caster module in place, providing both security during use and adaptability for different needs.
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then hose storage security is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tab-and-socket locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through simple pressing motion. The user presses the fence element toward the caster module, which automatically engages the tabs with the socket and triggers the detent to lock into place. The spring-loaded detent automatically provides the locking action without requiring separate manual locking steps, achieving secure retention with minimal user input.
Data Source
AI summary
A new vacuum cleaner has fence elements with upright arms are easily attachable to caster modules and create an upwardly opening hose space through which a vacuum hose can be wound for storage. The caster modules have sockets that extend throughout the height of the modules. The fence elements have tabs that hook onto lower edges of the modules, and can be clipped onto the caster module by pressing a detent on the fence element downwardly into an upper end of the socket until the tabs snap over the lower portion of the module, locking it in place.