Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Modular Assembly with Integrated Cable Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complex structure of existing handheld vacuum cleaner assemblies increases manufacturing costs and reduces reliability.

Innovation Solution

A modular assembly design where the technical unit integrates all electrical functions, with the handle serving as a mechanical interface, simplifying assembly and ensuring secure cable retention and proper positioning during assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the technical unit and handle unit are designed as separate modular sub-assemblies with independent electrical systems, then the vacuum cleaner can be manufactured more efficiently through independent production, but the overall structure becomes complex and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidassembly structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the electrical connection functions from the handle unit and relocates them to the technical unit. The cable support piece with power connector is integrated into the technical unit, separating electrical functions from the mechanical handle structure. This allows the handle to be designed purely as a mechanical interface, simplifying its structure while maintaining modular manufacturing benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the cable support piece, power connector, and electrical cables into the technical unit assembly. By combining these electrical components with the motor assembly in a single integrated unit, the patent reduces the number of separate electrical connections needed between modules, thereby simplifying the overall assembly structure while preserving independent manufacturing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple electrical cables and connectors are distributed between the technical unit and handle unit, then electrical connectivity can be established, but the structure becomes more complex and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidelectrical assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines all electrical connection elements (cable support piece, power connector, and electrical cables) into the technical unit. This consolidation reduces the number of separate electrical interfaces between modules, simplifying the electrical assembly structure while improving reliability by reducing potential connection failure points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the cable support piece is integrated into the handle unit, then cable management is simplified, but the handle structure becomes more complex and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable management easeVSAvoidhandle structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the cable support piece from the handle unit and relocates it to the technical unit. This separation allows the handle to maintain its simple mechanical interface design while the cable support functions are fulfilled by the integrated technical unit assembly, avoiding complexity in the handle structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4467045B1Technical unit for a handheld vacuum cleaner, associated handheld vacuum cleaner and method for mounting a handheld vacuum cleaner
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 SEB SA
  • EP4467045B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4467045B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4467045B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

This technical block (6) for a handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a main body (14) housing a motor assembly (16), a cable support piece (20), a power connector (22), and a set of initial electrical cables extending from the motor assembly (16) to the power connector (22) via the cable support piece (20). The technical block (6) is configured, during the assembly of the handheld vacuum cleaner (2), to be attached to a handle block (8) comprising a handle (38) and a housing (40) for receiving the main body (14). According to the invention, the cable support piece (20) is designed, during the assembly phase, to be attached inside the handle (38).