Surface cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cyclonic hand vacuum cleaners face challenges in design efficiency and usability, particularly in converting between upright and stick vacuum modes, and in ensuring stable airflow and electrical connections with accessory tools.
Innovation Solution
A hand vacuum cleaner with a uniflow cyclone design featuring a rearward cyclone axis, removable air treatment members, and lateral stability members for enhanced stability, along with electrical connections that ensure safety and ease of use with accessory tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cyclonic hand vacuum cleaners use traditional vertical cyclone axis design, then the structure is simple, but the conversion between upright and stick modes is complex and unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional vertical cyclone axis orientation to a horizontal configuration. This inversion allows the cyclone unit to be easily repositioned between upright and stick modes by simply rotating the entire unit 90 degrees, eliminating the need for complex conversion mechanisms while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontally oriented cyclone unit serves multiple functions: it enables both upright and stick vacuum modes, provides a stable base for accessory tool connections, and allows for easy conversion between configurations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate conversion mechanisms for each mode
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessory tools are connected to the vacuum cleaner, then cleaning functionality is enhanced, but electrical connection stability and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary electrical connection system located at the cyclone unit that mediates between the vacuum cleaner body and accessory tools. This intermediary connection includes insulated contacts and grounding mechanisms that ensure safe and stable electrical connections while allowing various accessory tools to be connected
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection system is pre-configured in the cyclone unit housing before accessory tools are attached. This preliminary setup includes positioned electrical contacts and grounding elements that automatically engage when an accessory tool is connected, ensuring immediate and safe electrical connectivity without requiring additional setup or adjustment
3Reliability
If the cyclone air inlet is positioned in various locations, then airflow characteristics change, but achieving stable airflow and effective dirt separation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the cyclone air inlet specifically in the upper portion of the cyclone chamber, creating localized optimal airflow characteristics. This specific local positioning of the inlet ensures that air enters the cyclone at the ideal angle and location for effective dirt separation while maintaining stable airflow throughout the system
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal cyclone axis orientation creates equipotential airflow conditions where air enters uniformly across the inlet and distributes evenly through the cyclone chamber. This equipotential flow pattern ensures consistent and stable airflow characteristics that enhance dirt separation efficiency without requiring complex flow control mechanisms
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 design enhances usability by allowing easy conversion between upright and stick modes, stabilizes airflow, and ensures safe and efficient electrical connections with accessory tools, improving overall cleaning efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a cyclone unit comprising a cyclone having a cyclone axis of rotation, a front end having a cyclone air inlet and a longitudinally spaced apart rear end having a cyclone air outlet
Implementation Method 2
cyclone unit comprising a cyclone having a cyclone axis of rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A hand vacuum cleaner comprises a body which houses a suction motor. Batteries are provided at the rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner and under the handle. An enclosed finger grip area is positioned forward of the hand grip portion of the handle and rearward of cyclone unit wherein a line extending in a common direction as the cyclone axis of rotation extends through the cyclone unit, the finger grip area and the hand grip portion.