Vacuum Lid Latch Handle Integration for Secure Carrying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaners, particularly wet/dry vacuum cleaners, have handles and latch systems that complicate ease of use and increase costs, necessitating an improved design that integrates a handle and latch function into a single component.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum cleaner design featuring a lid latch that is rotatably connected to the canister, allowing it to function as both a latch to secure the lid and a handle for carrying, with a bottom portion spaced from the canister to create a handle opening for user grip, enabling secure lid attachment and simplified transportation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate handle and latch systems are used in vacuum cleaners, then the lid can be securely fastened, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid securementVSAvoidhandle and latch system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the handle and latch into a single integrated component. The latch body includes a handle portion that extends from the latch body, allowing the same component to perform both functions: securing the lid through engagement with the canister and providing a grip for carrying the vacuum cleaner.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated latch-handle component serves multiple functions simultaneously. It acts as a securing mechanism for the lid, a structural element connecting the lid to the canister, and a carrying handle for user interaction. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of parts needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate components are used for handle and latch, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple interaction points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent optimizationVSAvoiduser interaction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the handle and latch into one component, the patent reduces the number of interaction points from two (separate handle and latch) to one (integrated latch-handle). This simplifies user operation as they only need to interact with a single component for both securing and carrying the vacuum cleaner.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If traditional latch designs are used, then the lid can be secured, but the risk of lid decoupling during transport increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid attachmentVSAvoidlid decoupling risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of the handle with the latch creates a more robust connection system. The handle portion is structurally connected to the latch body, which engages with the canister, creating a reinforced assembly that resists decoupling forces during transport better than separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11027894B2Vacuum cleaner including combined handle and lid latch system and methods of assembling same

Publication Date: 2021.06.08 EMERSON ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

A vacuum cleaner includes a canister defining a debris chamber, a lid mounted to a top of the canister, a debris inlet defined by one of the canister and the lid, and a lid latch rotatably connected to the canister. The lid latch is rotatable between a first position, in which the lid latch is disengaged from the lid, and a second position, in which the lid latch engages the lid to secure the lid to the canister. A bottom of the lid latch is spaced from an exterior surface of the canister to define a handle opening that allows a user to insert their fingers into the handle opening and grip the bottom of the lid latch.