Compact surface cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning apparatuses, such as vacuum cleaners, face challenges in design where the cyclone bin assembly is difficult to detach and handle separately from the suction hose, leading to increased size and risk of impact damage to the hose connector, and inefficient dirt collection capacity.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning apparatus design featuring a removable cyclone bin assembly with a nested suction hose connector, allowing independent handling of the cyclone bin without the suction hose, and a platform-mounted cyclone bin assembly with a recessed hose connector that remains connected to the main body, enhancing portability and protection of the hose connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the cyclone bin assembly is integrated with the suction hose connector, then the apparatus structure is compact, but the cyclone bin becomes difficult to detach and handle separately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the apparatus into separable components: the cyclone bin assembly and the suction hose connector are designed as distinct modules that can be detached from each other. The cyclone bin can be removed independently while the suction hose connector remains attached to the main body, enabling easy handling and cleaning of the cyclone bin without manipulating the entire apparatus.
2Ease of operation
If the suction hose connector is exposed on the exterior, then it is easily accessible, but it is vulnerable to impact damage
Solution Approach 1:
The suction hose connector is positioned within the cyclone bin assembly structure, which serves as a protective housing. This nested arrangement provides inherent protection against impact damage while maintaining accessibility, as the connector can still be reached when the cyclone bin is in place on the main body.
3Ease of operation
If the cyclone bin assembly is made separable from the main body, then it is easier to empty and clean, but the air flow path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclone bin assembly is extracted as a removable module from the main body, containing the dirt collection chamber and associated components. This extraction allows the cyclone bin to be easily detached, emptied, and cleaned independently. The air flow path complexity is managed through standardized connection interfaces that maintain efficient airflow when the components are assembled.
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
This design allows for easier manipulation and emptying of the cyclone bin without the suction hose, reduces the overall size of the apparatus, and protects the hose connector from impact, while maintaining efficient air flow and dirt collection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Air is drawn into the vacuum cleaners through a dirty air inlet and conveyed to a cyclone inlet. The rotation of the air in the cyclone results in some of the particulate matter in the airflow stream being disentrained from the airflow stream.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable surface cleaning apparatus has an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet; a main body comprising a suction motor provided in the air flow path, the suction motor having a suction motor axis, an inlet end and an outlet end; a cyclone bin assembly provided in the air flow path, the cyclone bin assembly comprising a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber, the cyclone chamber having a longitudinal cyclone axis, a cyclone air inlet and a cyclone air outlet provided at a lower end of the cyclone chamber and a dirt outlet provided at an upper end of the cyclone chamber; and, a handle.