Cleaning apparatus with selectable combing unit for removing debris from cleaning roller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum cleaners face challenges in controlling suction engagement with surfaces and effectively removing debris from cleaning rollers without causing noise and vibration, as existing debriding mechanisms often fail to prevent entanglement while minimizing unwanted noise and vibration.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus with a combing unit featuring spaced teeth that can be toggled between active and inactive modes, mounted on isolators to absorb vibrational energy and reduce noise, and designed to contact the cleaning roller to prevent debris buildup while rotating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a debriding rib/combing unit with teeth is used to contact and cut debris on the roller, then debris entanglement is reduced and prevented, but unwanted noise and vibration are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the combing unit with spaced teeth) between the cleaning roller and the debris. The teeth are designed to contact and cut debris while the spaced configuration allows selective engagement, mediating the interaction to reduce direct friction and vibration compared to continuous contact mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the combing unit, specifically the spacing and configuration of teeth, to optimize the balance between debris cutting effectiveness and vibration generation. By adjusting tooth spacing and contact pressure parameters, the system achieves effective debris removal with minimized noise and vibration.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the suction conduit is spaced too far from the surface, then the surface is protected, but suction is reduced due to greater surface area allowing air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional concern (vertical distance between suction conduit and surface) to multi-dimensional control by adding lateral positioning adjustments and angular orientation capabilities. This allows the suction conduit to maintain optimal vertical spacing for surface protection while using lateral and angular adjustments to concentrate suction force where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the suction conduit positioning dynamic rather than fixed, allowing real-time adjustment of distance, angle, and orientation. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt between surface protection mode (greater spacing) and suction optimization mode (closer engagement), resolving the contradiction between protecting the surface and maintaining effective suction.
3Force
If the suction conduit is directly engaged with the surface, then suction is maximized, but air flow stops and the suction motor may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor air flow conditions and suction conduit engagement with the surface. When direct engagement is detected (indicating potential air flow blockage), the system provides feedback to adjust the positioning or alert the user, preventing motor damage while allowing maximum suction engagement when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements protective measures in advance by designing the suction conduit with features that prevent complete sealing against the surface, such as escape channels or pressure-relief mechanisms. These beforehand cushioning features ensure that even during direct engagement for maximum suction, air flow is maintained to protect the motor from damage.
4Reliability
If an agitator is used to loosen debris, then debris capture is facilitated, but larger debris may be pushed forward without being captured (snowplowing)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cleaning system into multiple functional components with different roles: the agitator for loosening and capturing smaller debris, and the suction conduit positioned to handle larger debris particles. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in a particular size range, preventing the snowplowing effect where larger debris is merely pushed forward without capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by varying the characteristics of different parts of the cleaning system. The agitator has specific bristle densities and lengths optimized for loosening debris, while the suction conduit has localized openings and angles optimized for capturing both small and large particles. This local optimization ensures comprehensive debris removal across different size ranges without snowplowing.
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
Effectively prevents debris entanglement on the cleaning roller, reduces noise and vibration, and enhances the user experience by ensuring efficient debris removal without compromising the operation of the vacuum cleaner.
Implementation Method 1
mounted on isolators to absorb vibrational energy and reduce noise
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning apparatus comprising a housing, at least one agitator configured to be rotatably coupled to the housing, a combing unit comprising a plurality of spaced teeth configured to contact the agitator for preventing build up and removing debris, and a switch configured to cause the combing unit to move between an active mode in which the plurality of spaced teeth are configured to contact the agitator for preventing build up and removing debris, and an inactive mode in which the plurality of spaced teeth are configured to not contact the agitator. The switch may be configured to cause the combing unit to rotate about a pivot axis between the active mode and the inactive mode. The switch may be configured to convert linear motion of the switch into the rotational motion of the combing unit about the pivot axis.