Compact Hand-Held Vacuum Design for Convenient Storage and Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum cleaners occupy significant space, making them inconvenient to store and retrieve for small cleaning tasks, often leading to less frequent use of areas that require periodic cleaning due to their bulkiness and storage challenges.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held surface cleaning device with a compact form-factor, including a body with a motor, power source, and dust cup, designed for easy storage and access, allowing users to perform small cleaning tasks without the need to retrieve a full-size vacuum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional vacuum cleaner is used, then effective cleaning power is achieved, but storage space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum cleaner system is divided into two separate components: a handheld surface cleaning device for portability and an upright vacuum for full-power cleaning. The handheld unit contains essential components (motor, battery, dust cup) as separate modular segments that can be stored independently or reattached to the upright vacuum when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor, power source, and dust cup are extracted from the traditional upright vacuum configuration and placed into a separate handheld device. This extraction allows the main vacuum body to be smaller and more compact for storage, while the removed components form a portable unit that can be used independently for small cleaning tasks.
2Area of stationary object
If a conventional vacuum cleaner is stored in a closet or garage, then storage space is utilized, but accessibility for small cleaning tasks decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the vacuum into handheld and upright portions, the system enables the handheld unit to be stored in convenient locations near frequently cleaned areas, while the larger upright vacuum can remain in remote storage. This segmentation creates flexibility in storage placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, fixed-location vacuum storage model to a dynamic configuration where the handheld unit can be quickly deployed from various storage locations to multiple cleaning sites throughout the home, increasing operational flexibility and accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If a hand-held vacuum cleaner design is implemented, then storage and accessibility are improved, but component integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld surface cleaning device is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be used independently for small cleaning tasks, reattached to the upright vacuum for enhanced functionality, or stored separately. This multi-functionality justifies the integration complexity by providing versatile operational capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device integrates multiple components (motor, battery, dust cup, control electronics) in a compact nested arrangement within the handheld housing, with the dust cup nesting within the motor housing, maximizing space utilization while managing component complexity.
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
Enables convenient storage and easy access for small cleaning tasks, improving cleaning frequency and efficiency by providing a portable solution for dirt and debris removal without the bulk of a traditional vacuum.
Implementation Method 1
a suction motor to generate a vacuum within a cleaning head. The generated vacuum collects debris from a surface
Implementation Method 2
The dust container constitutes a part of or communicates with a cyclone separator arranged between the inlet channel and the filter
Implementation Method 3
at least one filter arranged after the dust container as seen in the flow direction
Implementation Method 4
a motor to rotate a brush roll within the cleaning head. The rotation of the brush roll agitates debris that has adhered to the surface
Data Source
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AI summary
In general, the present disclosure is directed to a hand-held surface cleaning device that includes a relatively compact form-factor to allow users to store the same in a nearby location (e.g., in a drawer, in an associated charging dock, on a table top) for easy access to perform relatively small cleaning tasks that would otherwise require retrieving a full-size vacuum from storage. A hand-held surface cleaning device consistent with aspects of the present disclosure includes a body (or body portion) with a motor, power source and dust cup disposed therein. The body portion also functions as a handgrip to allow the hand-held surface cleaning device to be operated by one hand, for example.