Vacuum Floor Tool Sole Plate Geometry to Reduce Carpet Skipping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor tools for vacuum cleaners tend to 'skip' on long pile carpets due to the rearward sole plate edge acting as a pivot point, causing ineffective cleaning and requiring complex and expensive pivot arrangements to mitigate this issue.
Innovation Solution
A floor tool design where the sole plate extends beyond the rearward edge of the head, increasing the distance between the articulation axis and the pivot point, thereby reducing the likelihood of skipping during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the head is pivotally connected to the sole plate to enable rocking motion, then cleaning effectiveness on carpeted surfaces is improved through agitation, but the rearward floor contacting edge acts as a pivot point causing the cleaner head to skip backwards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the sole plate in the longitudinal direction beyond the back sole plate engaging edge of the head, adding length to the floor engaging surface. This dimensional extension moves the rearward pivot point further back, increasing the distance between the articulation axis and the rearward floor contacting edge, thereby reducing the tendency to skip while preserving the rocking motion for carpet agitation
2Ease of operation
If existing pivot arrangements are used to prevent skipping, then skipping is reduced, but the device becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the skipping control function from complex pivot arrangements and implements it through a simple geometric modification - extending the sole plate. This removes the need for additional pivots, springs, or dampers while achieving the desired skipping control through the extended floor engaging surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex pivot arrangements with a simple, inexpensive sole plate extension. The extended sole plate is a basic structural component that can be easily manufactured and integrated, providing effective skipping control without the high cost and complexity of mechanical pivot systems
3Ease of operation
If the floor engaging surface is extended beyond the back sole plate engaging edge, then the distance between articulation axis and pivot point increases reducing skipping, but the head position relative to the floor changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by extending only the rear portion of the sole plate beyond the head while keeping the front portion and head configuration unchanged. This localized extension specifically addresses the rearward pivot point issue without altering the overall head geometry or front cleaning characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a floor tool for a surface treating appliance including, a sole plate comprising a floor engaging surface having forward and rearward floor contacting edges and a suction opening, a head which is pivotable relative to the sole plate about an articulation axis between forward and rearward positions, the head having a front sole plate engaging edge and a back sole plate engaging edge, and a connecting arm comprising an outlet in communication with the suction opening, at least a portion of the floor engaging surface of the sole plate extends beyond the back sole plate engaging edge of the head when the head is in the rearward position.