Extendible Vacuum Hose Storage for Long-Reach Suction Cleaners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suction cleaners with long hoses face challenges in storage, as they are bulky and vulnerable to damage, and existing internal storage solutions are complex and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A suction cleaner design featuring a flexible hose with a extendible first portion that can be stored within the unit in a contracted, sinuous configuration, combined with a non-extendible second portion for external storage, allowing for a total usable hose length of up to 5 meters without the need for extensive external storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a long suction hose is provided for cleaning operations such as stairway cleaning, then the cleaning versatility and reach are improved, but the hose becomes bulky and vulnerable to damage when stored externally
Solution Approach 1:
The suction hose is divided into two distinct portions: a first hose portion that is extendible and stored internally within the suction unit, and a second hose portion that is non-extendible and stored externally. This segmentation allows the extendible first portion to be protected during storage while maintaining the necessary total hose length for various cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The first hose portion is designed to be stored within the suction unit itself, nesting the hose inside the housing of the device it serves. This internal storage protects the extendible hose from damage while keeping the overall system compact and portable.
2Length of moving object
If a long suction hose is provided for extended cleaning reach, then the cleaning capability is improved, but the hose becomes difficult to accommodate either inside or outside the suction unit
Solution Approach 1:
The hose is segmented into an extendible first portion for internal storage and a non-extendible second portion for external storage, making the overall long hose manageable and easy to store in a divided configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The first hose portion is designed to be dynamically extendible when tension is applied, transforming from a compact stored state to an extended operational state. This dynamic property allows the hose to accommodate long lengths during use while maintaining a compact form during storage.
3Area of stationary object
If internal storage for the suction hose is provided within the suction unit, then the external storage requirements are reduced, but complex mechanisms are required for controlling the drum and coiling the hose
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the hose into two portions, the system requires complex mechanisms only for the first portion that needs internal storage, while the second portion can be simply stored externally without any mechanical assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing internal storage for the entire long hose which would require complex mechanisms, only the first portion is stored internally with a simplified mechanism, while the second portion is stored externally without any mechanism.
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 design simplifies storage, reduces the risk of damage, and provides a sufficient hose length for most cleaning tasks while minimizing the external storage requirements, making the cleaner more practical and user-friendly.
Implementation Method 1
the first hose portion is extendible lengthwise when subject to lengthways tension
Implementation Method 2
a suction unit for creating a flow of air for drawing in dirt
Implementation Method 3
one or more 'cyclonic' separators in which the separation is effected by centrifugal force
Data Source
AI summary
A suction cleaner comprising a suction unit having a source of suction and a separator/collector arrangement for separating entrained dirt from a flow of air created by the source of suction and for collecting and retaining such separated dirt for disposal; and a flexible suction hose for conveying suction airflow to the suction unit from a hose inlet at which a cleaning tool may be connected; wherein the suction hose comprises a first portion which can be accommodated in the suction unit and deployed therefrom when required and which is extendible in length when subject to lengthways tension, and a second portion having the inlet and connected to the first hose portion.