Detachable Vacuum Cleaning Unit for Better Upright Maneuverability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surface cleaning apparatuses face challenges in maneuverability and ease of use due to the weight of the portable cleaning unit, which can hinder navigation around obstacles and require reconfiguration of airflow conduits when switching between operating modes.

Innovation Solution

A surface cleaning apparatus with a detachable portable cleaning unit and flexible airflow conduit allows for seamless transition between upright and portable operating modes without interrupting airflow communication, enabling one-handed operation and versatile configurations for various cleaning tasks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the support structure, then the cleaning apparatus can operate in upright mode with vacuum suction, but the weight increases and maneuverability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating modesVSAvoidmaneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning apparatus is divided into separable components: the portable cleaning unit can be detached from the support structure, allowing the user to operate only the lighter support structure and cleaning head when upright cleaning is not needed, or to use the portable cleaning unit independently for handheld cleaning tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting configuration is made dynamic and reconfigurable - the portable cleaning unit can be selectively attached to or detached from the support structure based on the cleaning task requirements, transitioning between fixed and mobile states to optimize maneuverability while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the portable cleaning unit is detached from the support structure, then maneuverability improves, but the airflow connection must be reconfigured

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidairflow reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible hose is used to establish airflow communication between the support structure and the portable cleaning unit, allowing the hose to bend and flex as the unit is detached or repositioned without requiring complex disconnection or reconfiguration of rigid airflow conduits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible hose serves multiple functions: it maintains airflow connection during upright operation, allows easy detachment for improved maneuverability, and can be routed in various configurations to accommodate different operating positions and cleaning scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the support structure, then vacuum suction is provided for the surface cleaning head, but the weight of the support structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum suctionVSAvoidsupport structure weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heavy portable cleaning unit containing the vacuum motor and air treatment members is extracted from the support structure as a separate, detachable component, allowing the support structure to be used independently for lightweight cleaning tasks while maintaining the option to attach the motor unit when full vacuum suction capability is required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS9907444B2Surface cleaning apparatus with different cleaning configurations

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 OMACHRON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INC

AI summary

An upright surface cleaning apparatus includes a surface cleaning head having a dirty air inlet. A support structure is moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head and a portable cleaning unit is removably mounted to the support structure. An above floor cleaning wand is provided.