Surface Cleaning Head Stabilizer Mechanism for Tip-Over Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surface treatment apparatuses lack effective stability mechanisms that prevent them from tipping over when not in use, potentially causing damage or accidents.

Innovation Solution

A surface cleaning head with one or more stabilizers that transition between extended and retracted positions in response to the upright portion of the apparatus being pivoted between storage and in-use positions, enhancing stability without interfering with usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If stabilizers are added to prevent tipping when not in use, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilizers are designed to be movable rather than fixed, transitioning between extended and retracted positions based on whether the apparatus is in use or stored. This dynamic configuration allows the stabilizers to provide stability when needed while being stowed during operation, resolving the contradiction between improved stability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilizers are configured to nest within or alongside the main body of the apparatus when in the retracted position. This nesting arrangement minimizes the increase in device complexity by integrating the stabilizers into the existing structure rather than adding separate, bulky components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Stability of the object's composition

If stabilizers extend to improve stability during storage, then stability is improved, but maneuverability during cleaning operations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidmaneuverability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilizers dynamically change position based on operational state: extended during storage to prevent tipping, and retracted during cleaning operations to maintain maneuverability. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by ensuring stability only when needed, without interfering with ease of operation during actual use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilizers are positioned in advance (extended) before the apparatus is stored, and retracted in advance before cleaning operations begin. This preliminary action ensures that stability is provided only when needed, preventing interference with maneuverability during cleaning while maintaining stability during storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The stabilizers improve the apparatus's stability when not in use, preventing accidental tipping and potential damage, while maintaining maneuverability during cleaning operations.

Implementation Method 1

The stabilizer is configured to transition from an extended position to a retracted position in response to, for example, transitioning the upright portion between the storage position and the in-use position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

A surface cleaning head with one or more stabilizers that transition between extended and retracted positions in response to the upright portion of the apparatus being pivoted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP3852592B1Cleaning head for a surface treatment apparatus having one or more stabilizers and surface treatment apparatus having the same
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
  • EP3852592B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3852592B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3852592B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An example of a surface cleaning head may include a main body, a neck pivotally coupled to the main body, a stabilizer, and a linkage pivotally coupled to the main body and the stabilizer. The linkage may be configured to cause the stabilizer to transition between an extended position and a retracted position in response to a pivotal movement of the neck.