Hand Vacuum Cleaner Axis Layout for Ergonomic Weight Distribution

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand vacuum cleaners lack ergonomic design and efficient energy storage, leading to suboptimal hand feel and operational balance during use.

Innovation Solution

A hand vacuum cleaner with onboard energy storage, such as batteries, integrated into the handle, and a cyclone unit configuration where the suction motor is positioned above the cyclone chamber, allowing for improved ergonomics and balance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If batteries are integrated into the handle of the hand vacuum cleaner, then energy storage efficiency is improved, but weight distribution and ergonomic design become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage efficiencyVSAvoidergonomic design
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the batteries in the lower portion of the handle, utilizing vertical space arrangement to optimize weight distribution. This spatial configuration in the vertical dimension allows the heavy battery component to be placed lower, improving balance and ergonomics while maintaining efficient energy storage capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the suction motor is positioned above the cyclone chamber, then operational balance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational balanceVSAvoidcomponent arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the suction motor and cyclone chamber into a unified housing structure where the motor is positioned directly above the cyclone chamber. This merging of components into a compact vertical arrangement achieves operational balance while minimizing the overall device complexity through integrated design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the inlet conduit axis is positioned above the cyclone chamber, then air flow efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flow efficiencyVSAvoidconduit positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an asymmetric configuration where the inlet conduit axis is deliberately positioned above the cyclone chamber rather than in a symmetric or centered location. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes air flow efficiency by creating a specific flow path pattern, while the design incorporates tolerances and mounting features that accommodate the positioning requirements without excessive manufacturing precision demands

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

Enhances the ergonomic design and operational balance by distributing weight and improving hand feel, enabling more efficient and comfortable use.

Implementation Method 1

a cyclone unit having a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 2

A moving path of air drawn into the cyclone inlet is maintained in the same direction until the air is discharged through the pre-motor filter unit via the cyclone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 3

a suction motor positioned above at least a portion of the cyclone chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 4

a pre-motor filter unit having a filter grill and a filter member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3399898B1Hand carryable surface cleaning apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.03.09 OMACHRON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INC
  • EP3399898B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3399898B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3399898B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A hand vacuum cleaner can include an air inlet conduit having an inlet conduit axis, a suction motor and fan assembly having a suction motor axis of rotation, and a cyclone unit comprising a cyclone chamber having a cyclone axis of rotation. The inlet conduit axis can be generally parallel to the cyclone axis and when the inlet conduit axis is horizontally disposed, the inlet conduit axis is positioned above the cyclone axis and a projection of the inlet conduit axis intersects the suction motor.