EPP Vacuum Cleaner Cover Structure for Low Weight and Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum cleaners face challenges in reducing weight while maintaining solidity, absorbing shocks, and ensuring recyclability, with current materials compromising on these aspects due to limitations in plastic usage.
Innovation Solution
The use of expanded polypropylene (EPP) for the frame and cover, combined with mechanical reinforcements, allows for a lightweight, shock-absorbing, and recyclable design, leveraging EPP's properties for reduced weight and improved mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If plastic materials are made thinner to reduce weight, then the weight of the vacuum cleaner is reduced, but the solidity of the device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining expanded polypropylene (EPP) with mechanical reinforcement elements. The EPP provides lightweight and shock-absorbing properties, while the reinforcement elements (such as ribs, beams, or embedded metal structures) provide the necessary structural strength. This composite approach allows the cover to be both lightweight and solid, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and maintaining solidity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If rubber strips are added to absorb shocks, then shock absorption capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional solid plastic to expanded polypropylene (EPP). The expansion process creates a cellular structure that inherently provides shock absorption capabilities without requiring additional rubber strips. This parameter change in the material structure achieves shock protection while avoiding the additional cost of separate shock-absorbing components.
3Reliability
If multiple plastic materials are used in the vacuum cleaner body, then specific functions (temperature resistance, rigidity, flexibility) are improved, but recyclability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by using a single type of plastic material - polypropylene - throughout the vacuum cleaner body. The expanded polypropylene cover and other components are all made from the same base material, which simplifies recycling processes. This homogeneous material approach maintains functional performance through proper material selection and structural design while significantly improving recyclability compared to multi-material constructions.
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
This configuration results in a vacuum cleaner with reduced weight, enhanced shock absorption, and high recyclability, while maintaining structural integrity and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
the use of expanded polypropylene (EPP) for the frame and cover, combined with mechanical reinforcements, allows for a lightweight, shock-absorbing, and recyclable design
Implementation Method 2
said electric motor-driven fan being capable of placing the housing of the waste separation device under vacuum in order to suck air through the connection to the inside the frame
Data Source
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AI summary
The vacuum cleaner, comprising a body with a cover (80) and an inner cavity (40) housing an electric motor, fan and trash separator linked to a hose connector, has the cover made from an expanded polymer material with at least one lengthwise or transverse reinforcing member (82). In a variant the reinforcing member can be in the form of a rigid frame with the expanded polymer injected over it, while a further reinforcing member (42) joins the base and side walls. Lower (4) and upper body sections are also made from the expanded polymer, with the upper body section having a wall thickness of between 15 and 60 mm.