Multi-State Accessory Toggle for Surface Treatment Apparatus Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

As the number of accessories for surface treatment apparatuses increases, it becomes difficult to store them effectively without sacrificing functionality, as existing solutions require direct manipulation and multiple accessories for different tasks.

Innovation Solution

A surface treatment apparatus with a toggle mechanism that allows accessories to transition between operational states without direct manipulation, using a coupling and actuator system that changes the accessory's functionality when actuated, enabling fewer accessories to perform multiple tasks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple accessories are provided for different cleaning tasks, then functionality and performance are improved, but storage difficulty and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidstorage difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The accessory is designed with multi-functionality, allowing a single accessory to perform multiple cleaning tasks through different operational states (e.g., brush raised vs. lowered positions for different surface types). This eliminates the need for multiple separate accessories, thereby improving storage efficiency while maintaining versatility.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory incorporates dynamic components that allow it to transition between different operational states during use. The brush tool can be dynamically adjusted between raised and lowered positions, enabling the same accessory to adapt to different cleaning scenarios without requiring multiple static accessories.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple accessories are provided for different cleaning tasks, then adaptability is improved, but the number of accessories to store increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidnumber of accessories
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The accessory integrates multiple functions into a single unit, allowing it to perform various cleaning tasks by transitioning between operational states. This reduces the total number of accessories needed while maintaining high adaptability for different cleaning scenarios.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple cleaning functions that would traditionally require separate accessories are merged into a single accessory unit. The brush tool combines features for different surface types and cleaning modes within one integrated design, reducing the quantity of accessories required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If accessories require direct manipulation for operation, then ease of operation is reduced, but device complexity is minimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational convenienceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The accessory incorporates self-adjusting mechanisms that automatically transition between operational states based on usage conditions. The brush tool can self-adjust its position through spring-loaded mechanisms or automated actuators, reducing the need for manual intervention while maintaining operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary actuation mechanism that simplifies the transition between operational states. Instead of requiring direct manipulation of complex components, a simple trigger or button activates automated mechanisms that smoothly transition the accessory between states, improving ease of operation without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3749159B1Accessories for a surface treatment apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
  • EP3749159B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3749159B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3749159B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

A surface treatment apparatus may include a coupling, a handle, an accessory coupled to the coupling, and a toggle proximate the handle. The accessory may have at least two operational states. An actuation of the toggle may cause the accessory to transition between operational states.