Flexible vacuum nozzle and nozzle opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum nozzle attachments are ineffective for cleaning large surface areas and hard-to-reach crevices due to their inflexible construction, requiring users to switch between attachments and spend additional time and energy, especially when cleaning rugs, mats, and vehicle interiors.
Innovation Solution
A flexible vacuum nozzle with a radially collapsible, angled or tapered opening made of materials like silicone or gum rubber, which can conform to various shapes and surfaces, allowing efficient cleaning of large areas and reaching tight spaces by beating up and down on the surface when attached to a vacuum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid nozzle attachment is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot adapt to various shapes and surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is constructed from flexible material that allows it to conform to various shapes and surfaces while maintaining structural integrity. This flexible shell approach enables the nozzle to adapt to irregular surfaces without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle incorporates a radially collapsible opening that can dynamically change its shape and size. This dynamic structure allows the opening to collapse radially to fit into crevices or expand to cover larger surfaces, providing adaptability without permanent structural complexity.
2Productivity
If a crevice tool with thin blade inlet is used, then it can reach hard to reach crevices and corners, but it is inefficient for vacuuming large surface areas
Solution Approach 1:
The radially collapsible opening can dynamically adjust between a larger configuration for efficient surface cleaning and a collapsed configuration for reaching narrow crevices. This dynamic transformation allows a single nozzle to perform both functions effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible nozzle with collapsible opening serves multiple functions: it can clean large surface areas when the opening is expanded, and it can reach into crevices and corners when the opening is collapsed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to switch between different attachments.
3Ease of operation
If the nozzle opening is fixed at a specified angle, then the structure is simple, but it requires the user to hold the tool at a specific angle for best effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle opening transitions from a fixed angle structure to a dynamic, flexible structure that can adjust its angle and orientation. This allows the opening to automatically adapt to different surface angles without requiring the user to maintain a specific holding angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible nozzle opening has the ability to self-adjust to the optimal angle for suction based on the surface it contacts. The flexible material naturally conforms to the surface geometry, eliminating the need for user intervention to adjust the angle.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible nozzle with radially collapsible opening is used, then it can conform to various shapes and reach crevices, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is manufactured as a flexible shell structure that inherently provides the collapsible functionality. This approach simplifies manufacturing compared to assembling multiple rigid components, as the flexibility is achieved through material selection and monolithic construction rather than complex mechanical joints.
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 flexible nozzle enables efficient cleaning of large surfaces and hard-to-reach areas with reduced time and effort, as it can adapt to different shapes and orientations, improving suction effectiveness and debris removal without the need for frequent attachment changes.
Implementation Method 1
The suction end of the nozzle has a flexible angled opening that may be radially collapsible and may conform to various shapes
Implementation Method 2
The suction end of the nozzle has a flexible angled opening that may be radially collapsible
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible vacuum attachment and method of use is provided for attaching a vacuum section to a vacuum to collect debris from a surface. The vacuum attachment comprises a flexible vacuum nozzle and nozzle opening, An end of the nozzle is attachable to a connector, which is then attachable to a vacuum. The nozzle forms a tube made of flexible material with a suction end. The suction end of the nozzle has a flexible tapered opening that is radially collapsible and foldable in one or more axial directions that can conform to various shapes. The tapered opening may include a rim that extends coplanar to a vacuumable surface. The suction end is capable of beating up and down on a vacuumable surface when operated with a vacuum.