Vacuum Hose Valve Assembly for Tangle-Free Storage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carpet extractors with long accessory hoses face storage challenges, entanglement issues, and difficulty in manipulation due to their size, especially when cleaning hard-to-reach areas or areas close to the extractor.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus with a valve assembly that controls suction to the accessory hose, allowing it to be securely stored when not in use and easily extended for above-floor cleaning, featuring a blocking member that prevents the hose end from being received in a holder unless suction is allowed, enabling efficient use and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the accessory hose length is increased to clean hard-to-reach areas, then the cleaning versatility is improved, but the hose becomes more difficult to store and manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory hose is segmented into a stored position and an extended cleaning position. The hose can be selectively deployed from a compact stored state to an extended operational state, allowing versatile cleaning reach while maintaining ease of storage and handling when not in use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the accessory hose length is increased to clean hard-to-reach areas, then the cleaning versatility is improved, but the storage area required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory hose is stored in a nested or coiled configuration within a dedicated holder on the extractor body. This nesting arrangement allows the long hose to be compactly stored within a minimal footprint, providing extensive cleaning versatility without requiring additional storage space.
3Length of moving object
If the accessory hose is made longer to reach distant areas, then the cleaning reach is improved, but the hose becomes subject to kinking and entanglement
Solution Approach 1:
The hose is pre-positioned in a controlled stored state within the holder before use. This preliminary organization prevents random coiling and entanglement. When deployed, the hose extends in a controlled manner from the holder, minimizing kinking and making it easier to manage during cleaning operations.
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 solution enhances storage efficiency, reduces entanglement, and improves maneuverability by allowing the accessory hose to be used effectively for both floor and above-floor cleaning while preventing kinking and tangling.
Implementation Method 1
a suction source in fluid communication with the floor suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through the floor suction nozzle and into the recovery tank
Implementation Method 2
The valve assembly is selectively movable between a first position which at least partially blocks suction to the floor suction nozzle and a second position which substantially allows suction to flow through the floor suction nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing, a floor suction nozzle operatively attached to the housing, and a suction source operatively attached to the housing and placed in fluid communication with the floor suction nozzle. The assembly further includes a valve assembly operatively associated with the floor suction nozzle. The valve assembly is selectively movable between a first position which at least partially blocks suction to the floor suction nozzle and a second position which substantially allows suction to flow through the floor suction nozzle. The apparatus further includes an accessory hose assembly having a proximal end in fluid communication with the valve assembly and a distal end. The apparatus still further including a holder mounted to the housing and adapted to receive the distal end of the accessory hose. The apparatus yet further including a blocking member which prevents the distal end from being received in the holder when the valve is in the first position and allows the distal end to be received in the holder when the valve is in the second position.