Hand-Held Surface Cleaner Brake Assembly for Upright Storage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand-held surface cleaning apparatuses tend to tilt or fall when the upper portion is leaned against a wall or object due to the movement of the lower portion, causing dissatisfaction to users.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a brake assembly on the base assembly that can be moved between a locked and unlocked position to prevent wheel rotation and maintain the apparatus in an upright position, along with a gripping assembly to secure the device against surfaces, ensuring stability and preventing unintended movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the upper portion of the surface cleaning apparatus is leaned against a wall or object for storage, then the apparatus can be conveniently stored, but the lower portion moves causing the apparatus to tilt or fall
Solution Approach 1:
The brake assembly is activated before the apparatus is leaned against a wall or object, pre-preventing wheel rotation and stabilizing the base assembly. This preliminary braking action ensures that when the apparatus is stored in a leaned position, the base remains stationary and prevents tilting or falling.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the wheels and the ground. By engaging the brake pads against the wheel surfaces, it creates a friction-based connection that prevents unwanted movement while allowing the apparatus to be stored in various positions including leaned against walls or objects.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the brake assembly is engaged to prevent wheel rotation, then the base assembly stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake assembly is designed to be automatically activated when the hand-held portion is placed in a dock or charging station. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual brake engagement by the user, reducing operational complexity while maintaining stability benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake assembly functions are merged with the docking station system. When the apparatus is docked for charging or storage, the dock automatically triggers the brake engagement, combining the charging function with the stabilization function in a single integrated action.
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 brake assembly effectively prevents the base assembly from sliding and the gripping assembly secures the device, maintaining it in an upright position and reducing the risk of the apparatus falling or sliding, enhancing user satisfaction and stability during storage or use.
Implementation Method 1
a source of suction in fluid communication with the conduit to draw debris-laden air from the surface to be cleaned and through the nozzle and the conduit to the recovery container
Implementation Method 2
a brake assembly pivotally mounted to the base assembly and configured to be moveable between a first locked position wherein at least a portion of the brake assembly engages the at least one wheel and is configured to prevent rotation of the at least one wheel
Implementation Method 3
a gripping assembly moveably mounted to the hand-held portion and moveable between a first position and a second position wherein at least a portion of the gripping assembly is configured to engage a surface or object against which the surface cleaning apparatus is leaned
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus includes a base assembly with a suction nozzle and at least one wheel. A hand-held portion has a hand grip, a recovery container, and a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle and the recovery container and configured for generating a working airstream. A wand is operably coupled between the base assembly and the hand-held portion and defines at least a portion of a working air path extending from the suction nozzle to an air outlet in the hand-held portion and including the suction source.