Elastomeric Bidirectional Airflow Hose for Universal Nozzle Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaner and air blower attachment hoses face issues such as inability to accommodate various nozzle sizes and shapes, flimsiness leading to collapse, detachment during use, high-pitched shrieking noise, and lint clogging, necessitating a flexible and self-sealing connector that remains affixed to nozzles of different devices.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional airflow connector assembly with an elastomeric connector and rigid compression fitting, designed to accommodate a range of nozzle sizes and shapes, self-seals, and prevents detachment, reducing noise and flexibility issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connector is used to prevent collapse, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and ability to reach hard-to-reach areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible hose with sufficient structural integrity that can bend and maneuver into hard-to-reach areas while maintaining enough rigidity to prevent collapse under suction pressure. The hose material and wall thickness are specifically designed to balance flexibility for access with structural stability to maintain airflow passage.
2Device complexity
If a single connector design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different nozzle sizes and shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a flexible hose and an opening configured to receive various nozzle sizes and shapes. The flexible nature of the hose allows it to conform to different nozzle geometries, while the opening design accommodates a range of diameters, enabling a single connector to work with multiple nozzle types without requiring multiple specialized adapters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flimsy hose is used to maintain flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but structural stability and resistance to collapse deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hose is constructed with flexible material that allows bending and maneuvering, yet the wall thickness and material strength are sufficient to prevent collapse under suction forces. The design achieves an optimal balance where the hose remains flexible enough to reach difficult areas but sturdy enough to maintain its structural form during operation.
4Reliability
If a tight-fitting connector is used to prevent detachment, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation for quick attachment and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible hose naturally conforms to the nozzle shape, creating friction and mechanical interlocking that prevents detachment during use. The flexibility allows the hose to grip the nozzle securely, while the ease of sliding the flexible material over the nozzle during attachment and removal maintains user convenience.
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
The solution provides a flexible, self-sealing connector that remains affixed to nozzles, reduces noise, prevents collapse, and avoids lint clogging, enabling effective cleaning of hard-to-reach areas without additional attachments.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric connector having an opening therethrough comprising a body portion and connector flange portion at a distal end thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A bidirectional airflow attachment hose may include an elastomeric connector and a rigid compression fitting having an opening aligned with the opening of the elastomeric connector. Related methods include attaching the bidirectional airflow attachment to a nozzle.