Flexible Crevice Tool Structure for Bendable Vacuum Flow Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum attachment tools are limited by over-complexity, difficulty in manufacturing, shortened tool lifespan, and reduced vacuum pressure due to rigidity, making them less effective for cleaning confined areas.
Innovation Solution
A flexible crevice tool with a self-supporting, flexible region featuring support ribs and a non-air-permeable material over the ribs, allowing for increased flexibility without reducing vacuum flow, enabling access to hard-to-reach areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid, narrow tube is used to connect the attachment and nozzle ends, then the structural stability is improved, but the flexibility and ability to access confined areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is segmented into multiple sections that can flex relative to each other, allowing the tube to bend and reach into confined areas while maintaining structural integrity through the segmented design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible tube design that replaces the traditional rigid tube, allowing the tube to bend and conform to confined spaces while maintaining sufficient structural stability to transmit vacuum pressure effectively
2Manufacturing precision
If a rigid tube structure is used, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation in confined spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tube transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape during operation, enabling easy access to confined areas while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled flexibility
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used to achieve flexibility, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tube design integrates flexibility directly into the tube structure itself, eliminating the need for multiple separate flexible components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability
4Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible material is used without support structure, then the flexibility is improved, but the structural stability and vacuum pressure maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is constructed as a composite structure combining flexible material with internal support elements, providing both the flexibility needed for confined area access and the structural stability required to maintain vacuum pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible accessory tool for a vacuum appliance is described, comprising an elongated body with a body portion having an attachment end, a nozzle end spaced apart from the attachment end and having an opening formed therein, and a flexible intermediate region for imparting flexibility to the accessory tool during use. The flexible intermediate region is made up of a rigid skeleton portion having a one or more ribs and support struts, over which a layer of non air-permeable flexible material is applied. During use, the flexible accessory tool may be bent to extreme angles in order to reach and clean debris from hard to reach areas, while not suffering from a decrease in vacuum air flow through the tool as it flexes.