Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Parallel-Axis Layout for Compact Form

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand-held vacuum cleaners lack a compact and ergonomic design that allows for easy handling and efficient cleaning without the restriction of power cords, while maintaining effective dust separation and air flow management.

Innovation Solution

A hand-held, battery-operated vacuum cleaner with a motor/fan unit and dust separation device arranged in a compact, space-saving configuration where the motor/fan unit is positioned behind the dust separation device, and both have axes aligned essentially parallel to each other, with the axis of rotation of the dust separation device inclined forward, creating a slim and manageable form factor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the motor/fan unit and dust separation device are arranged in a compact configuration with parallel axes, then the overall height and volume of the vacuum cleaner is reduced, but the air flow path and dust separation efficiency may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall volumeVSAvoiddust separation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement to a horizontal parallel arrangement of the motor/fan unit and dust separation device. This dimensional change allows both components to be positioned side-by-side with their axes aligned parallel to each other, reducing the overall height of the device while maintaining adequate space for air flow paths and dust separation processes to function effectively.

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

2Shape

If the axis of rotation of the dust separation device is inclined forward, then the visual appearance becomes more compact and ergonomic, but the internal space distribution and component alignment become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual appearanceVSAvoidcomponent alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an asymmetric inclination of the dust separation device axis forward at a predetermined angle relative to the vertical. This asymmetric orientation creates a more compact and ergonomic visual appearance, improving the handheld form factor. The design accepts the resulting complexity in internal space distribution and component alignment as a trade-off for achieving the desired aesthetic and ergonomic qualities.

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

This design enables a lightweight, easy-to-handle vacuum cleaner that is suitable for one-handed operation, with a reduced overall height and a visually appealing appearance, while maintaining effective dust separation and air flow management, allowing for efficient cleaning without the need for power cords.

Implementation Method 1

The dust separating device is designed to rotate air entering via an air inlet area about an axis of rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 2

a suction opening and a motor/fan unit. The motor-fan unit is designed to generate a suction air flow that extends from the suction opening via a dust separation device to the motor-fan unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3409163B1Handheld vacuum cleaner with compact shape
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3409163B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3409163B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Hand-held, battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1), having a suction opening (3) and a motor-fan unit (5), wherein the motor-fan unit is designed to generate a suction air flow from the suction opening over a dust separator (4) extends to the motor-fan unit. The dust separating device is designed to rotate incoming air about an axis of rotation (12) via an air inlet area. The motor-fan unit is located behind the dust separating device and adjacent to the dust separating device. The longitudinal axis (14) of the motor/fan unit is arranged essentially parallel to the axis of rotation of the dust separation device.