Handheld Vacuum Layout With Transverse Handle Weight Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held vacuum cleaners are tiring and uncomfortable to use due to the center of mass being forward of the handgrip, requiring excessive effort to maintain orientation.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held vacuum cleaner design with a transverse elongate handle positioned between the airflow generator and power source, allowing the user's hand to grip between the two heaviest components, distributing weight evenly and reducing strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the motor and fan assembly and power source are arranged forwardly of the handgrip, then the center of mass is located forwardly of the handgrip, but this results in the hand-held vacuum cleaner being tiring and uncomfortable to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a longitudinal arrangement (components aligned along the suction conduit axis) to a transverse arrangement (components positioned perpendicular to the suction conduit axis). The motor and fan assembly and power source are positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, with the handgrip arranged transversely between them. This dimensional change redistributes weight laterally rather than forward, balancing the center of mass over the user's hand and eliminating the need to exert additional effort to maintain orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies counterbalancing by positioning the power source on one side of the longitudinal axis and the motor and fan assembly on the other side, with the handgrip transversely between them. This creates a balanced distribution of heavy components that counteracts each other's weight relative to the user's hand, effectively placing the center of mass at the handgrip location rather than forward of it, thereby reducing user fatigue.
2Ease of operation
If the handgrip is arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical main body, then the user gets a stronger wrist position, but the heavy components must be located forwardly of the handgrip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the transverse handgrip arrangement for improved wrist position but resolves the component arrangement issue by positioning the motor and fan assembly and power source on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis rather than forward of the handgrip. This transverse positioning allows the heavy components to be distributed laterally, maintaining balance over the user's hand while preserving the ergonomic benefits of the transverse handgrip configuration.
3Ease of manufacture
If the center of mass is located forwardly of the handgrip, then the heavy components are positioned for easy access, but the user must exert additional effort to maintain the hand-held vacuum cleaner in a fixed orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterbalancing by positioning heavy components (motor and fan assembly and power source) on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis with the handgrip transversely between them. This creates a balanced weight distribution that places the center of mass at the handgrip location, eliminating the forward weight bias that would require the user to exert additional effort to maintain orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the component arrangement from a longitudinal configuration (components aligned along the suction conduit) to a transverse configuration (components positioned perpendicular to the suction conduit axis). This dimensional change redistributes weight laterally across opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, balancing the center of mass over the user's hand and eliminating the need for additional user effort to counteract forward weight.
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 comfort and ease of manipulation by distributing weight evenly, reducing user fatigue and allowing for effortless handling and orientation changes.
Implementation Method 1
an airflow generator arranged in communication with the suction conduit for generating an airflow along the suction conduit
Implementation Method 2
cyclonic separating apparatus arranged in communication with the suction conduit for separating dirt and dust from the airflow
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention provides a hand-held cleaning appliance (10) comprising a suction conduit (14) having a longitudinal axis (Y-Y), an airflow generator (36) for generating an airflow along the suction conduit (14), separating apparatus (18) arranged in communication with the suction conduit (14) for separating dirt and dust from the airflow, a power source (32) for supplying power to the airflow generator (36) and an elongate handle (28) disposed between the airflow generator (36) and the power source (32). The elongate handle (28) is dimensioned and arranged to be gripped by a user's hand and the elongate handle (28) lies transverse to the longitudinal axis (Y-Y) of the suction conduit. By providing a hand-held vacuum cleaner (10) with such an arrangement, the hand-held vacuum cleaner (10) is easier and more comfortable to manipulate in use.