Vacuum Cleaner Nozzle Sole Profile for Carpet Airflow and Push Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaner nozzles are ineffective in sucking up impurities embedded in certain types of carpets due to inadequate airflow and excessive user force requirements.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum cleaner nozzle sole with a specific profile, featuring a front plate, rear chamfer, and connecting radius, which limits penetration into carpets, reduces friction, and maintains airflow, comprising a front plate with a length of 3.2-4.2mm, a rear chamfer 3-4 times longer, a short rear flat, and inclined chamfers to manage user force and friction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the nozzle sole penetrates deeply into the rug or carpet, then the suction flow rate decreases, but the user force required to push the nozzle increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction flow rateVSAvoiduser force required
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the geometric dimensions of the soleplate profile. The front flat length (3.2-4.2mm) and rear chamfer length (3-4 times the front flat length) are optimized parameters that balance penetration depth and airflow maintenance. This dimensional optimization allows the nozzle to effectively engage with carpet fibers while limiting excessive penetration that would block suction channels and reduce airflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs curvature by implementing a rounded transition radius (10-15mm) between the rear flat and rear chamfer, as well as a front transition radius (7-13mm) between the front chamfer and front flat. These curved transitions reduce stress concentration and optimize the distribution of forces during nozzle movement, allowing smoother interaction with the carpet surface while maintaining effective cleaning performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Device complexity

If the rear chamfer is positioned directly over the suction channel, then the structure is simplified, but the pushing force required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesole structureVSAvoidpushing force
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the rear portion of the soleplate into distinct functional zones: a rear flat section positioned between the suction channel and rear chamfer, with a length 8-10 times less than the front flat. This segmentation creates a stepped profile that prevents the rear chamfer from directly overlying the suction channel, thereby reducing the force required to push the nozzle forward while maintaining structural feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by creating different functional regions along the soleplate profile with specific dimensional characteristics. The front flat (3.2-4.2mm) provides initial engagement, the rear flat provides force reduction, and the rear chamfer (3-4 times longer than front flat) provides structural support. Each section has optimized local dimensions tailored to its specific function in the overall cleaning process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If the soleplate has a long front flat, then the suction flow rate improves, but the friction during movement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction flow rateVSAvoidfriction force
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the front flat length parameter within a specific range of 3.2-4.2mm to achieve the best balance between maintaining suction flow rate and minimizing friction. This precise parameter optimization ensures sufficient engagement with the carpet surface for effective cleaning while avoiding excessive contact area that would increase friction forces during nozzle movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3087891B1Vacuum cleaner nozzle flange
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 SEB SA
  • EP3087891B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Vacuum cleaner nozzle sole comprising: - at least one suction channel (10) from the ground, - a front plate having, in a section along a plane normal to the suction channel (10), a length (L1) comprised between 3.2mm and 4.2mm and arranged in front of said at least one suction channel (10), - a rear bevel arranged behind the suction channel (10), characterized in that the rear bevel has, in said section , a length (L2) of between 3 and 4 times the length (L1) of the front plate.