Nested Vacuum Cleaner Nozzle Assembly for Quick Attachment Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional suction tools for electric vacuum cleaners are cumbersome for users when attaching and detaching smaller nozzles like gap nozzles, requiring significant time and effort, and necessitate separate storage, complicating the process.

Innovation Solution

A suction tool configuration with multiple detachable suction ports and operation parts allows easy attachment and detachment of different nozzle types, including a floor nozzle, small-size nozzle, and gap nozzle, using a system of interconnected suction tools and operation levers for simplified handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If only small-size nozzle is attachable to floor nozzle, then the structure is simple, but attaching gap nozzle requires removing both floor nozzle and small-size nozzle, increasing time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where the gap nozzle is attached to the small-size nozzle, which in turn is attached to the floor nozzle. This nested doll configuration allows multiple nozzles to be stacked hierarchically, enabling the gap nozzle to be attached without removing the floor nozzle or small-size nozzle, thereby reducing attachment time and effort while maintaining a manageable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal attachment system where the small-size nozzle serves dual functions: it can be attached to the floor nozzle for general cleaning, and simultaneously serve as an attachment base for the gap nozzle. This multi-functionality allows the same component to facilitate different attachment scenarios, improving ease of operation without requiring separate specialized mechanisms for each nozzle type

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

2Ease of operation

If gap nozzle is stored separately from floor nozzle and small-size nozzle, then each nozzle is organized, but storage requires additional time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of storageVSAvoidstorage time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the storage function into the attachment structure itself. The nested configuration where gap nozzle attaches to small-size nozzle which attaches to floor nozzle creates an integrated storage solution where all nozzles can be kept together in a compact hierarchical arrangement, eliminating the need for separate storage locations and reducing the time and effort required to organize and retrieve nozzles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2636349B1Suction device for electric cleaner and electric cleaner using same
Publication Date: 2019.09.25 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP
  • EP2636349B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2636349B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2636349B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Suction tool (2) for an electric vacuum cleaner includes first suction tool (10) that has a first suction port for suctioning dust, and second suction tool (20) that has a second suction port communicating with the first suction port and that is detachably engaged with first suction tool (10). Moreover, the suction tool includes third suction tool (30) that has a third suction port communicating with the second suction port and that is detachably engaged with second suction tool (20). Furthermore, the suction tool includes first operation part (42) for disengaging first suction tool (10) from second suction tool (20), and second operation part (48) for disengaging second suction tool (20) from third suction tool (30).