Multi-functional vacuum cleaner nozzle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vacuum cleaner nozzles lack versatility in adapting to different surfaces, requiring additional mechanisms like configurable wheels for multiple modes of operation, which complicates the cleaning process.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum cleaner nozzle with a retractable brush and a spring-loaded glide plate that can be moved vertically to enable three modes of operation: hard floor, carpet, and a multi-functional mode, allowing efficient cleaning on various surfaces without additional arrangements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional nozzles use additional mechanisms like configurable wheels for multiple modes of operation, then versatility in adapting to different surfaces is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different surfacesVSAvoidcomplexity of cleaning process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of brush movement and glide plate positioning into a single integrated mechanism. The selector switch controls both the brush retraction/extension and the glide plate movement simultaneously, merging what would traditionally require separate mechanisms into one unified system that achieves multi-surface adaptability without proportional increase in complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The glide plate serves multiple functions: it acts as a support element for carpet cleaning, a floating element for hard floor cleaning, and works in conjunction with the brush for combination modes. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized mechanisms for different cleaning modes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the brush and glide plate are moved vertically to enable multiple modes of operation, then adaptability to different surfaces is improved, but ease of operation may worsen due to manual adjustment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode selection capabilityVSAvoidease of mode selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a spring-loaded glide plate that automatically adjusts its position based on the surface type detected by the user's selection. When the selector is set to a particular mode, the spring mechanism self-adjusts the glide plate to the appropriate position without requiring manual intervention, making the operation as simple as switching modes rather than manually adjusting multiple components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables efficient and quiet operation on different surfaces by allowing the brush and glide plate to be positioned optimally, reducing noise and increasing suction power, while allowing for easy mode selection using a top-mounted selector.

Implementation Method 1

the glide plate is spring loaded by a spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3656267B1Multi-functional vacuum cleaner nozzle
Publication Date: 2022.04.20 AB ELECTROLUX
  • EP3656267B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3656267B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3656267B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle with a nozzle head (103) having at least one suction opening through which suction opening air can enter the vacuum cleaner nozzle. The vacuum cleaner nozzle also comprises at least one movable glide plate (108) configured to in at least one mode of operation glide on a surface to be cleaned and at least one retractable brush (109). The vacuum cleaner nozzle is configured to be selectable operated in at least three modes of operation. Each of the at least three modes of operation are enabled by moving the at least one of the retractable brush and the at least one glide plate in relation the nozzle head. The movement will typically be vertical when the nozzle head is used on a horizontal surface. Hereby multiple modes of operations are enabled in an efficient manner that can provide different modes of operation suitable for different surfaces. The different modes of operations can be enabled by only moving a retractable brush and a glide plate. Hence there is no need for any additional arrangement such as configurable wheels for providing multiple (at least three) modes of operation.