Dual-Module Vacuum Cleaner for Upright and Handheld Mode Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaners lack versatility in cleaning modes, as they are typically designed for either upright or handheld use but not efficiently adaptable between the two, limiting their cleaning efficiency and user convenience.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum cleaner design featuring a first cleaner module for upright mode and a removably coupled second cleaner module for handheld mode, with distinct fan motors and dust collection units, allowing selective operation based on cleaning mode, and a locking mechanism for secure attachment and easy separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a vacuum cleaner is designed for upright mode with high suction power, then cleaning performance on floors is improved, but adaptability to handheld mode deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction forceVSAvoidcleaning mode adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum cleaner is divided into two separable modules: a first cleaner module for upright mode and a second cleaner module for handheld mode. The first cleaner module includes a first fan motor with higher power for floor cleaning, while the second cleaner module includes a second fan motor with lower power for handheld use. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vacuum cleaner system is designed to perform multiple cleaning functions through a single device. The first cleaner module can be used independently for upright floor cleaning, and the second cleaner module can be used independently for handheld cleaning. The removable coupling mechanism enables the system to adapt between different cleaning modes, achieving multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a single fan motor is used for both upright and handheld modes, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning efficiency in different modes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor configurationVSAvoidcleaning efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Different fan motors with different power levels are used in different modules to match the specific cleaning requirements of each mode. The first fan motor in the first cleaner module has higher power for floor cleaning, while the second fan motor in the second cleaner module has lower power suitable for handheld use. This local optimization of motor characteristics improves cleaning efficiency for each specific application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If the second cleaner module is permanently attached to the first cleaner module, then structural stability is improved, but ease of separation for handheld mode deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule attachment stabilityVSAvoidmodule separation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling between the first cleaner module and the second cleaner module is designed to be dynamically changeable. The removable coupling mechanism allows the modules to be firmly attached when needed for structural stability during upright mode operation, and easily separated when handheld mode is required. This dynamic coupling capability enables the system to transition between stable and mobile states as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 efficient cleaning in both upright and handheld modes with high suction performance in upright mode and ease of use in handheld mode, while maintaining stability and power supply through a secure coupling system.

Implementation Method 1

a first fan motor generating a suction force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction force generation:

Implementation Method 2

a first dust collection unit filtering foreign materials from air suctioned by the first fan motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

a second fan motor generating a suction force when used in the handheld mode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction force generation:

Implementation Method 4

a second dust collection unit filtering foreign materials from air suctioned by the second fan motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2848173B1Vacuum cleaner
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2848173B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2848173B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2848173B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A vacuum cleaner that includes a first cleaner module and a second cleaner module that is removably coupled to the first cleaner module. The first cleaner module includes a first body and a first dust collection unit, and the second cleaner module includes a second body and a second dust collection unit. Thus, when done in an upright mode, cleaning can be done with a sufficiently great suction force. When done in a handheld mode after the second cleaner module is separated, cleaning can be easily done using the second cleaner module.