Foldable Vacuum Wand with Pivoting Segments for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rigidity of vacuum cleaner wands makes them difficult to use and store, especially when a vacuum unit is attached, as they do not easily accommodate storage configurations.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum cleaning device with a foldable wand that includes pivotably connected segments, allowing the wand to be folded 180° for storage, and a flexible air passage to maintain suction between the vacuum unit and the surface cleaning head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid wand is used in the vacuum cleaner, then structural strength and stability are improved, but ease of operation and storage are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The wand is divided into multiple rigid segments that can be connected in a folded configuration. Each segment maintains structural strength while the ability to fold at connection points enables compact storage. The segments are joined through connectors that allow the wand to be collapsed into a compact form factor for storage while remaining rigid during operation.
2Reliability
If a rigid wand is used to maintain structural integrity, then reliability is improved, but adaptability to different storage configurations is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The wand incorporates dynamic connection points that allow the structure to transition between extended operational configuration and folded storage configuration. The rigid segments maintain structural integrity during use, while the connection mechanisms enable the wand to be folded at various points to achieve compact storage positions, providing adaptability between different states.
3Ease of operation
If the wand is made foldable to improve storage, then ease of storage is improved, but maintaining a flexible air passage becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible air passage in the form of a hose or tubing is used to connect the vacuum unit to the cleaning head through the foldable wand segments. The flexible nature of the air passage allows it to bend and flex as the wand is folded into compact configurations for storage, while maintaining adequate airflow during operation. This eliminates the need for rigid internal channels that would be difficult to route through articulated segments.
Data Source
AI summary
Vacuum cleaning devices include foldable wands to provide a storage configuration and/or facilitate use. A vacuum cleaning device includes a wand having a first end coupled to a vacuum unit and a second end coupled to a vacuum head or surface cleaning head. The wand defines an air passage allowing air to pass from the surface cleaning head to the vacuum unit and includes a flexible air passage along at least a portion of the wand. The wand also includes a plurality of segments pivotably connected together such that the wand is foldable about 180° in a forward direction until the vacuum unit is positioned proximate a top of the surface cleaning head, thereby providing a storage configuration.