Cordless Vacuum Telescoping Handle Design for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum cleaners and other surface cleaning devices occupy large spaces, making them impractical for storage in many environments, especially in space-constrained areas, leading to reduced cleaning frequency due to inconvenient storage and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning apparatus with a compact storage configuration, featuring a handle member that rotates and telescopes to reduce the device's footprint, allowing it to be stored in narrow spaces, and an optional docking charger for recharging, which can be wall or floor-mounted without permanent alterations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vacuum cleaner is stored in an upright position to maintain readiness for use, then the cleaning device remains easily accessible, but it occupies a large amount of storage space that is difficult to find in space-constrained environments
Solution Approach 1:
The handle member is made movable between an extended in-use position and a retracted storage position, allowing the vacuum cleaner to dynamically change its spatial footprint. This dynamic configuration enables the device to occupy minimal space during storage while remaining fully functional during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle member nests within or alongside the housing when in the storage position, with the handle rotating and telescoping to fit within the overall device envelope. This nesting arrangement minimizes the external dimensions required for storage.
2Area of stationary object
If the vacuum cleaner is placed in distant storage locations like closets or garages to save space, then the storage area is utilized, but the cleaning frequency decreases due to the inconvenience of hauling the vacuum to and from storage
Solution Approach 1:
The movable handle member allows the vacuum to be configured in a compact storage position that minimizes space requirements, enabling placement in more accessible locations such as near entryways or in small closets, thereby improving convenience without sacrificing storage efficiency.
3Area of stationary object
If the vacuum cleaner is designed with a compact footprint for easy storage, then storage convenience is improved, but the device may lack the necessary components or power source capacity for effective cleaning operation
Solution Approach 1:
The handle member's ability to extend to a full in-use position ensures that all necessary components, controls, and power sources remain accessible and functional during operation, while only the spatial arrangement changes during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle member is divided into telescoping sections that can extend or retract independently, allowing the device to maintain a compact form during storage while providing full functionality when extended for use.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cordless surface cleaning apparatus is disclosed that includes a compact storage configuration to allow the surface cleaning apparatus to have a small, compact footprint relative to an in-use configuration. The storage configuration therefore allows for storage in locations otherwise unsuitable for other surface cleaning apparatuses, e.g., upright vacuum cleaners, and so on. For instance, a surface cleaning apparatus configured in accordance with aspects disclosed herein may have a footprint with an overall width that allows the same to be hidden between an open door and an adjacent wall or other similarly narrow space such as a small closet. Moreover, the surface cleaning apparatus may include an aesthetically pleasing, minimalist design in addition to a small footprint, which allows the surface cleaning apparatus to be placed at a conspicuous location, such as against a wall, without becoming obtrusive or otherwise disruptive to the surrounding environment.