Hand-Held Vacuum Bag Connector Positioning to Reduce User Obstruction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand-held suction systems are not user-friendly due to the way the collection bag is positioned, which can obstruct the user and limits the volume of suction material that can be collected.

Innovation Solution

A hand-held suction system design featuring a single mechanical connection between the suction tube and collection bag, where the bag connection part is positioned on the upper half of the suction pipe's circumference, allowing the collection bag to extend downwards, increasing its volume and improving ergonomics by reducing user obstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the bag connection part is positioned on the lowermost point of the suction pipe circumference, then the collection bag extends downwards away from the suction pipe, but this causes the collection bag to obstruct the user and reduce the available collection volume

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollection volumeVSAvoiduser obstruction
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional positioning approach by placing the bag connection part on the upper half of the suction pipe circumference instead of the lowermost point. This inversion causes the collection bag to extend downwards along the suction pipe rather than away from it, resolving the contradiction by simultaneously increasing collection volume and eliminating user obstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spatial arrangement by positioning the bag connection part in the upper half of the circumference, allowing the collection bag to extend in a different spatial configuration (downwards along the pipe) rather than the conventional direction (away from the pipe at the lowermost point). This dimensional repositioning resolves both the volume and obstruction issues.

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If the collection bag is positioned to extend away from the suction pipe at the lowermost point, then the bag is mechanically stable, but this configuration limits the collection volume and creates user obstruction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebag positioning stabilityVSAvoidcollection volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional bag positioning by attaching the bag to the upper half of the suction pipe circumference rather than the lowermost point. This inversion maintains mechanical stability through the secure upper attachment while allowing the bag to extend downwards along the pipe, thereby increasing collection volume and eliminating user obstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Strength

If the pipe connection part is arranged on the complete circumference at the lowermost point, then the connection is mechanically secure, but this configuration obstructs the user and reduces ergonomics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoiduser ergonomics
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning the bag connection part specifically on the upper half of the suction pipe circumference rather than distributing it across the complete circumference at the lowermost point. This localized positioning maintains sufficient connection strength at the secure upper attachment point while eliminating the ergonomic obstruction caused by lower positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3875689B1Hand-held vacuum system
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 ANDREAS STIHL AG & CO KG
  • EP3875689B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3875689B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3875689B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a hand-held suction system (1), wherein the suction system (1) comprises: - a hand-held suction device (2), a pipe assembly (3), and a bag assembly (4), - wherein the pipe assembly (3) comprises a suction tube (5) and a pipe connector (6), - wherein the bag assembly (4) comprises a collection bag (7) and a bag connector (8), - wherein the pipe connector (6) and the bag connector (8) are formed to form a mechanical connection (VB) with each other for holding the bag assembly (4) by the pipe assembly (3), and - wherein the pipe connector (6) is arranged on a circumference (5U) of the suction tube (5) in the circumferential direction (UR) in an upper half (OH) of the circumference (5U) in an intended operating position of the suction system (1) such that the suction system (1) is configured in such a way thatthat the bag device (4) held by the pipe device (3) extends downwards along the suction pipe (5) in the circumferential direction (UR) at the upper half (OH) of the circumference (5U).