Floating Suction Nozzle Floor Tool for Hard Floor Wiping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaner floor tools are less effective at removing stains and have limited versatility, as they often compromise cleaning performance on hard floors and lack the ability to efficiently pick up debris from crevices.
Innovation Solution
A floor tool with a support member and suction nozzles that float relative to the neck, allowing for improved cleaning performance by distributing downwards force effectively and enhancing debris pickup, while also enabling a 'suction-and-wipe' or 'suction-only' mode of operation, and featuring a configuration that reduces debris trapping and improves maintainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a combined mop and suction floor tool is used, then the capability to wipe floor surfaces is improved, but the cleaning performance on hard floors is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The floor tool is divided into functionally independent components: a support member for carrying the cleaning element, and suction nozzles that float relative to the neck. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function optimally without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between wiping capability and hard floor cleaning performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction nozzles are configured to float relative to the neck, creating a dynamic arrangement where the nozzles can move independently. This dynamic configuration allows the nozzles to maintain optimal contact with the floor surface while the support member carries the cleaning element, enabling both wiping and suction functions to work effectively simultaneously.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the suction nozzle is fixed to the neck, then the structural stability is improved, but the cleaning performance on hard floors is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The suction nozzle is configured to float relative to the neck rather than being rigidly fixed, creating a dynamic system where the nozzle can move independently to maintain optimal floor contact. This dynamic arrangement preserves structural stability while enhancing cleaning performance on hard floors.
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 floor tool effectively removes stains and debris from hard floors, including crevices, with improved cleaning performance and versatility, allowing for both suction and wiping functions, and easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a suction opening through which dirt and dust may be drawn into the floor tool due to a suction force generated by a vacuum cleaner
Implementation Method 2
a cleaning head to which a cleaning sheet is removably attached. Such an implement can then be used by a user to scrub or mop a hard floor surface to remove stubborn stains
Data Source
AI summary
A floor tool for a vacuum cleaning appliance comprising a body including a suction nozzle, a neck coupled to the body so as to pivot relative to it about an axis ‘A’, wherein the neck includes a base portion that defines a rail formation located at least partially about its circumference and the body includes a runner formation that is engaged with a discrete part of the rail formation, the rail formation being slidable relative to the runner formation thereby coupling the base portion to the body but permitting the base portion to pivot relative to the body.