Vacuum Cleaner Cord Wrap With Automatic Release Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning apparatuses, such as vacuum cleaners, often require manual manipulation of cord retaining members to remove and store electrical cords, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning apparatus with a cord wrap system featuring moveable cord retaining members that automatically switch between storage and removal positions, allowing for single-motion cord removal and re-wrapping, along with an integrated accessory tool holder and cyclone bin assembly design that enhances airflow and dirt collection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual manipulation of cord retaining members is used to remove and store electrical cords, then the cord can be securely retained during operation, but the operation becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cord retaining member is designed to be movable rather than fixed, transitioning between a first position that secures the cord and a second position that releases it. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to adapt its retention characteristics based on operational needs, providing secure retention during use while enabling easy removal when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically moves the cord retaining member to the second position in response to detecting that the cord is fully unwrapped, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This preliminary action prepares the system in advance for cord removal, maintaining security during operation while automating the release process to improve convenience.
2Ease of operation
If automatic cord release mechanism is implemented, then cord removal becomes convenient with single motion, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cord retaining member is designed to automatically transition between positions based on the cord's wrap state, without requiring external control systems or complex sensors. The mechanism serves itself by using the cord's unwrapping action to trigger the release, achieving automatic operation while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cord itself acts as an intermediary that triggers the retaining member's position change. As the cord unwraps, its movement directly actuates the retaining member to transition from the first to the second position, eliminating the need for separate sensing or control mechanisms and reducing overall system 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
Facilitates easy and efficient cord management, enhances user experience by simplifying cord handling, and improves the overall design of the surface cleaning apparatus with improved airflow and dirt collection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the retaining member is biased toward the storage position
Implementation Method 2
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
Implementation Method 3
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 surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, an air treatment member and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a power cord removably mounted to a power cord wrap and removable in a cord removal direction. The power cord wrap may comprise at least first and second spaced apart cord retaining members. At least one of the cord retaining members may be a moveable cord retaining member that is moveable between a cord storage position wherein the moveable cord retaining member is oriented to inhibit removal of the power cord and a cord removal position wherein the moveable cord retaining member extends generally in the cord removal direction.