Foldable Vacuum Wand with Segmented Structure 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, due to their inflexible design.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum cleaning device with a foldable wand that includes a flexible air passage and pivotably connected segments, allowing it to be folded 180° for storage and providing a storage configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid wand is used in vacuum cleaners, then structural strength is maintained, but ease of operation and storage deteriorates due to difficulty in maneuvering and storing the vacuum cleaner
Solution Approach 1:
The wand is divided into multiple rigid segments that can be connected in different configurations. This segmentation allows the wand to maintain structural strength in each segment while enabling flexible arrangement of segments to improve ease of operation and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The wand system transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic configurable structure where segments can be repositioned relative to each other. This dynamic capability allows the wand to adapt between maintaining structural integrity during use and facilitating easier storage when not in use.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid wand with vacuum unit attached is used, then structural stability is maintained, but storage space requirements increase and maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the wand into segments allows the vacuum unit to be positioned at different locations along the segmented wand structure. This enables compact folding configurations that reduce storage space while maintaining structural stability through the rigid segment connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented wand structure allows components to be nested or folded into each other, with the vacuum unit able to be positioned close to the cleaning head when folded. This nesting capability significantly reduces the storage footprint while maintaining structural integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a rigid wand design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different cleaning scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented wand design uses standardized rigid segments that can be manufactured using simple processes. The segments are designed with universal connection interfaces that maintain manufacturing simplicity while enabling various configurations to adapt to different cleaning scenarios and user preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented wand structure provides multi-functionality by allowing different segment arrangements to suit various cleaning needs. The universal connection design maintains ease of manufacture while the configurable nature provides adaptability to different cleaning scenarios, user heights, and storage spaces.
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.