Portable surface cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand vacuum cleaners require disconnecting cleaning tools or accessories when emptying the cyclone bin, which is inconvenient and may lead to spillage during disposal.
Innovation Solution
A hand carryable surface cleaning apparatus with a removably mounted cyclone bin assembly that nests within the body, allowing for easy removal and emptying without disconnecting tools or accessories, and maintaining a sealed unit to prevent spillage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cyclone bin assembly is removed for emptying, then the cyclone bin can be emptied of collected dirt, but any cleaning tool or accessory connected to the inlet must be disconnected first or is removed with the cyclone bin assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclone bin assembly is segmented as a separate removable component from the main body, allowing it to be detached independently. The inlet connection is designed such that the cyclone bin assembly can be removed without requiring disconnection of cleaning tools or accessories attached to the inlet, thus simplifying the emptying process while maintaining tool connectivity.
2Ease of operation
If the cyclone bin assembly is made removable for easy emptying, then the cyclone bin can be easily emptied and replaced, but the device volume increases due to the additional removal mechanism and space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclone bin assembly is designed to nest within the main body when attached, utilizing the available internal space efficiently. This nesting arrangement allows the cyclone bin assembly to be removable for easy emptying while minimizing the overall volume increase of the portable surface cleaning apparatus.
3Ease of operation
If the cyclone bin assembly is removed for emptying, then the collected dirt can be disposed of, but dirt may spill during the removal and disposal process
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclone bin assembly is designed with a sealed structure that maintains containment of collected dirt during the removal process. The assembly can be detached and positioned for emptying while keeping the dirt contained, preventing spillage during the transition from the operating position to the emptying position.
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
Enables hassle-free emptying and replacement of the cyclone bin assembly while keeping cleaning tools attached, reducing the device's volume and preventing dirt spillage during disposal.
Implementation Method 1
a suction motor positioned in the main body downstream from the cyclone bin assembly and in air flow communication with the cyclone bin assembly air outlet... an air flow path extending from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and including the suction motor and the cyclone chamber
Implementation Method 2
a cyclone bin assembly removably mounted to the body, the cyclone bin assembly comprising a cyclone bin assembly air inlet in air flow communication with the dirty air inlet when the cyclone bin assembly is mounted to the body, a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a hand vacuum cleaner, a surface cleaning head and an air flow conduit extending from the surface cleaning head air outlet to the hand vacuum cleaner air inlet, the air flow conduit comprising a rigid wand and a flexible suction hose positioned downstream of the rigid wand and upstream of the hand vacuum cleaner air inlet.